• Rise in measles, whooping cough prompts reminder: Get your student immunized

    10/7/2019
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    Measles vaccine

    A recent uptick in cases of measles and whooping cough in Portland-area children is prompting a reminder for families to keep their students up to date for vaccines.

    Portland Public Schools’ students are covered by the immunization requirements set by the state of Oregon. The state’s required list includes immunizations for measles, designated as MMR, and whooping cough (also known as pertussis), designated as DTaP or Tdap.

    “Vaccines boost the body’s natural defenses against disease and help keep kids in school,” Jennifer Vines, Multnomah County Deputy Health Officer, wrote in a message to families.

    Vines also reminds families that students and staff members who have not been vaccinated for measles and are exposed to the disease will be asked to stay out of school for 21 days.

    Parents who would like more information on vaccinations can attend free community workshops given by Boost Oregon. The next scheduled workshop:

    • When: Saturday, October 19, 2-4 p.m.
    • Where: Multnomah County Library, Woodstock (6008 SE 49th Ave)

    Students in PPS can receive vaccinations at no cost at student health centers throughout the district. Families should also keep in mind that this school year’s exclusion date is Wednesday, February 19, 2020. Students who are not up to date with their immunizations by that date will be excluded from school unless they have an exemption. More information is available on Multnomah County’s School Immunizations webpage.

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