Enrolling Students New to the District

A student may be enrolled and attend class if:

The school has received written evidence that required immunizations are complete
The school has received laboratory evidence of immunity.
The student is in the process of receiving the current dose for required immunizations, and a completion schedule from the student’s physician or a health agency has been provided.
The school is attempting to verify an inadequate immunization record. (Within 5 days of enrollment, the school office staff must request records from the former school. The former school must provide those records within 10 days of receipt of the request.)
The student is homeless and has been referred to the District’s homeless liaison for assistance in obtaining all immunizations or records. (The enrolling school and McKinney-Vento liaison should work together to obtain records as soon as possible.)
An exemption applies – either a medical or personal belief exemption for a K-12 student or a medical or religious belief exemption for a preschool student. (Exemption forms should be given to a parent only by the school’s health office staff.)

For new students from another country, there is no grace period for providing records. Refer parents to their physician or local health department, or to the Arizona Immunization Program Office if translation is needed.

NOTE: The office staff may consult with the school’s health office to determine if the immunization records that have been provided meet the minimum requirements.

What to do if a student’s immunization records are insufficient or not received

During the school year, have the school health office staff review immunization records. The health office will notify the parents of the lack of compliance with minimum requirements and advise parents regarding what action is needed.

During the summer months, available office staff members should review immunization records that are received and notify parents if it is obvious that any immunizations are missing. The school office needs to retain a legible copy of the immunization record for each registering student. This information is kept in the health office for State auditing.

How are suspensions handled for students without required records?

Even though a school may enroll a student who lacks immunization/immunity documentation (as stated above), there are circumstances where it may be necessary to suspend a student. The school health office will notify the principal if a suspension is necessary.

Where can students receive free immunizations?

See the health office page for a list of locations that offer free immunizations. Remind parents to take all existing immunization records with them to their medical provider/clinic.

Questions

Talk with the health office staff at your school if you have questions, or call Health Services at 480-472-0562 if school health office staff is not available.

Information is also available on the Health Services website at: https://www.mpsaz.org/health/ and in Regulation JHCB-R in the MPS Policy Manual available at: https://www.mpsaz.org/legal/mps_policy.

Shepherd College Preparatory