Sep 17, 2021

Great Bend schools working with families to update vaccinations

Posted Sep 17, 2021 6:00 PM
USD 428 nurses were recognized earlier this summer.
USD 428 nurses were recognized earlier this summer.

By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post

Leaving the hot-button issue of COVID-19 vaccinations out of the picture, the Great Bend school district recognizes there are certain immunizations that are required for students to be in school. Hepatitis, chickenpox, measles and pertussis are just a few of the required vaccines required by the State of Kansas for children attending school.

USD 428 Assistant Superintendent John Popp said the district follows the state’s requirements.

"It's not a Great Bend public schools' thing, that's a state of Kansas law," said Popp. "There are allowed exemptions, religious exemptions and things like that. There are times a school nurse, in conjunction with the principal, will have to make the decision to tell a family if you're not getting updated on your vaccinations then you have to stay home until you get that done."

Great Bend’s school district requires student immunizations to be updated by Oct. 1. School nurses will monitor records and relay information to the principals to enforce the policy.

Popp added completely voluntary immunization clinics are offered at each school site.

"At the schools, the health department will come in and give vaccines," said Popp. "They will have the opportunity to offer the COVID vaccines to staff members and students. It is not mandatory. It is all voluntary."

At this point, COVID is not a required immunization, similar to flu or other such vaccines.   

Parents always have the right to exempt their children from immunizations if they choose. The school works with the parents to either get the vaccinations or go through the process of opting out. A lack of doing either procedure will bring up the possibility of exclusion from school.