Process for immunization review

[kimbernurse]

I have been a school nurse now for about 4 months. When I first started, our 45 day report was done, and the immunization situation in our district was a nightmare. It really made me come close to quitting!! There were over 250 kids with inadequate/missing immunizations. We had Seniors that had never had their 4 yr old boosters!!!!!!! Not to mention all of the missing permanent records that no one, not even guidance had a clue as to where they were. I spent so much time tracking down records, calling parents (who were none too happy that they had to get another copy off imm. cert. )sending letters, blah blah blah just to get these kids current with their shots. There were many kids we had to keep out of school until they got their shots after their 30 days expired. My questions is, what is your policy on reviewing immunizations?? How about when a new student comes into your school? Do you do registration each year for all students? I think our district's problem is that the district office and some attendence clerks have been enrolling students with what ever "proof of immunization" the parents could provide. Thanks for any imput!!

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

When enrolling a student I let the parents know that they cannot start without some sort of review of their immunization record. Whether this is a copy of the state form from their current / last school or a copy from their doctor, i just need something valid. Upon review we make the determination whether they can start or not based on current immunization requirements of the state. If they are in the process of getting a series (say Hep B) that is fine as long as they can show proof that there is an upcoming appointment that the series will be continued -same if they are missing something - if they can give me proof that they have an apponitment then i will grant provsional admission. If they fail to keep that appointment or do not provide the shot documentation following that appointment, i look to exclude until the standards of the state are met.

As far as reviewing - that is done at the beginning of the year each year to ensure that students are in compliance with the current standards.

We get an annual physical audit of our files from the local health dept and have to file a report with the state each year.

[Aneroo, LPN]

I am at the high school level.

I check immunizations on all new students. I also check all of the incoming freshman when they come in or when I do their screenings (I do vision screenings for 9th graders).

I wanted to add- You've probably done the biggest part of the work. Next year, it'll be much easier since most of those kids have already been addressed!