District Immunization Policy Change for the 2024-25 School Year
As you prepare for the 2024-25 school year, it’s important to know that there are some items you need to complete prior to the school year starting. The first is your child’s immunization and required screenings and the second is the electronic Back to School online packet.
Since 1978, Michigan law has required children to be up-to-date with required immunizations ON or BEFORE the first day of school for entry into kindergarten and 7th grade, and for enrollment into a new school district, grades 1-12. If your child does not complete their immunizations prior to August 26, 2024, they will be unable to begin school until the immunizations are completed.
The following circumstances allow a required vaccine to be waived or delayed:
● A valid medical contraindication exists, preventing the child from receiving the vaccine at this
time. A medical waiver should be completed and signed by the child’s physician and should state
the contraindication, vaccine involved, and time period during which the child is prevented from
receiving the vaccine.
● The parents/caregivers have valid religious or philosophical beliefs which prevent receipt of a
vaccination. Waivers should not be taken lightly. A child who is not fully vaccinated against
vaccine-preventable diseases could be a risk to others and for contracting the disease.
Appointments are required for waiver education by calling the Oakland County Health Nurse on
Call at 1-800-848-5533.
● Your child is not yet old enough to receive their vaccinations. For example, a child who is 4 years
old when school begins and turns 5 on September 20. Once your child turns 5 and is eligible for
those vaccines, it is required for you to complete them.
The good news is that Oakland County Health Division provides immunizations for all ages in their Southfield offices (27725 Greenfield Rd, Southfield, MI 48076) with no appointment needed. You can call the Health Division at 248-424-7000 to learn more.
In addition to required immunizations, TK and Kindergarten students are also required to have vision, hearing and dental screenings prior to school starting. The Oakland County Health Division can also help families with these screenings if you need assistance. You can call 248-424-7070 for vision and hearing screening assistance and 248-858-1306 for dental screening assistance. You can also learn about all of the Oakland County Health Division services on their website, www.oakgov.com/health.
This summer you will receive emails from the District asking you to complete the Back to School online packet. This packet is important to complete because it gives you an opportunity to verify your child’s information, emergency contact, permissions for the school to communicate with you and more. Please be sure to complete the packet before the school year begins.
