It’s not even summer break yet, but it’s already time to think about the upcoming school year. Kindergarten registration for those children who will be entering school in the fall is coming up soon. Here’s information from the Flathead City-County Health Department on vaccinations and registration dates.
Parents should be reminded that one condition for kindergarten registration is that each child have completed the required vaccinations. For 4- and 5-year-olds, this means the registrant is required to have the following:
Four DTaP (Tetanus) immunizations, the last one after the fourth birthday.
Three Polio immunizations, the last one after the fourth birthday.
Two Measles/Mumps/ Rubella immunizations.These are the minimum requirements. The State and federal government recommendations suggest children have five DTaP and four polio vaccinations.
Without completing the required immunizations, school registration can not be accomplished, and parents will find they need to make a side trip to their health care provider or the health department. Immunization clinic hours at Flathead City-County; Health Department are:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesday 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.In the Flathead Valley, each school district sets a date when registration will occur:
Whitefish, April 24 at Muldown School from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Kalispell, May 6 at Linderman School gymnasium from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Columbia Falls, April 27 and 28, at Columbia Falls Administration Building from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. and 1 – 3:30 p.m.
Canyon Elementary School April 24 8:15 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. by appointment: 387-5323. Call this number also if this date will not work for you.In the past, School District 5 (Kalispell) has held their registration at the Health Department to make the process more convenient. Due to the large construction project at the Flathead City-County Health Department building this year, the location has been switched to Linderman School.
To make registration flow as well as possible for parents, it is suggested that they check their child’s vaccination record to be sure the required immunizations have been completed. Round up that current shot record and birth certificate to bring to the school on registration day. If there is no current immunization record, contact your health care provider who can supply you with the information.
Kindergartners aren’t the only kids who need their shot records checked before schools starts. State law now requires a tetanus booster for all children aged 11 years or older and entering the seventh grade. At this time, school nurses also check to be sure all seventh graders have had two doses of measles/mumps/rubella vaccine.
So, parents, find and check those shot records and prepare for your child’s school year by ensure that all immunizations are completed. You will save yourselves much inconvenience when school registration day comes!