By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Vaccination rates for school-aged children in America are on the decline, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. During the 2023-24 school year, nationwide coverage across all vaccinations dipped below 93 percent. Kindergarten MMR vaccine rates dropped to 92.5 percent, which is below the 95 percent threshold needed for herd immunity. During Monday's USD 428 Board of Education meeting, Assistant Superintendent John Popp said the deadline for vaccinations in Great Bend public schools is Oct. 1.
"They can have proof of vaccine, they can get a statement written by their physician on why they should not be inoculated, or a written statement by the parent or guardian that they follow religious beliefs that do not allow them to get those inoculations," said Popp.
District policy states that students who fail to provide the documentation required by law may be excluded from school. Popp said that decision is delegated to school principals, but the district will not exclude students unless absolutely necessary.
"I did want you to know, especially in today's age with immunizations," Popp said, "that there is a requirement, not only by law, but also by board policy, that says they either have to get the immunizations or they have to have a stated reason why they're not getting the immunizations."
With school beginning in the middle of August, Popp said the Oct. 1 deadline gives families approximately six weeks to gain compliance. District nurses began contacting families in May regarding vaccination needs for the 2025-26 school year.