Seattle & King County (PHSKC) Back to School Vaccine Updates

Hello Parents,

We share this following information from the King County Health Dept. that speaks to :

Back-to-School and COVID-19: what parents need to know

Here are a few things parents should know about this year’s back-to-school COVID-19 requirements and safety guidance. Please share with parents, guardians and caretakers:

https://publichealthinsider.com/2022/08/23/back-to-school-and-covid-19-what-parents-should-know/

COVID-19 Vaccine: Sports Physicals & Wellness Checks

Washington state requires kids in grades 6 and up get a sport physical before they start a new sport or season. This provides on optimal time for providers to engage in COVID-19 vaccine

conversations. Improving vaccinations rates will result in a reeducation of cancelled or postponed sporting events and reduces burden on school administration. Most importantly,

school-aged children will be able to participate in sports without the concern of contracting or spreading the COVID-19 Virus. PHSKC encouraged districts to remind students and caregivers that sports physicals and wellness checks are great opportunities to

ask any vaccine questions and receive a primary series or booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Quick Links:

• COVID-19 Vaccination for Children: A Checklist for Parents and Caregivers (PDF)  Additional Languages

• Helping a Child Who Is Afraid of Shots (webmd.com)

• How to Make Shots Hurt Less for Kids (health.com)

• Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccines: The Facts Are in the Stats (PDF)

• WCAAP FAQ on COVID-19

Monkeypox updates

MPV cases in the United States and locally here in King County have increased over the past several weeks. As of August 24, 2022, 310 King County residents have been diagnosed with MPV, an increase from 48 cases in mid-July. Here is an update on MPV from the Public Health Insider:

https://publichealthinsider.com/2022/08/24/public-health-update-on-local-monkeypox-virus-mpv-cases/