This is the first in a series of articles providing resources for parents so they can prepare for the start of the new school year. To ensure all Compton Unified School District (CUSD) students learn in a safe, clean, and healthy environment it is important that all students have received the required vaccinations prior to enrollment or the first day of school. Students new to CUSD or returning after a prolonged absence must enroll at CUSD’s Pupil Services, 417 E. Alondra Blvd., where they must present proof of immunizations for the following: Polio; Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis; Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR); Hepatitis B; Varicella; TB Risk Assessment (1st grade only); and Tdap (whooping cough) immunizations are required for students, grades 7-12.
Oral Health Assessment results are required for first time Transitional Kinder/Kindergarten & 1st grade students. A recent Official Health Exam report is required for Transitional Kinder/Kindergarten & 1st grade students and must be signed by a doctor and stamped. Donita Polk, RN and Health Technician for CUSD Pupil Services, said proof of updated immunization records for students are not only required by the state, but also a matter of public health and safety.
“If one, two, or three children aren’t completely immunized, their classmates who are may still be at risk of carrying preventable diseases home to an infant or an elder who is not as well immunized. This could cause them to become deathly ill.”
Kendra Gorlitsky, MD, who serves the Compton community at St. John’s Well Child and Family Center at Dominguez High School, said the spread of diseases like chicken pox and measles are much more preventable when the entire school community is well immunized.
“Unfortunately there was some very poorly conducted research that was not validated and gave vaccines a bad name. I think we can feel very safe regarding childhood vaccines and really encourage people to get them so their kids can stay healthy,” she said. “I’m really a vaccine advocate. Thanks to vaccines we don’t really see polio anymore. We have a vaccine now for teenagers in particular that can prevent some forms of cancer.”
Dr. Gorlitsky added that without proper vaccination students are at risk of missing school and falling behind in their learning.
“Measles can keep you out for days. Chicken pox too, of course. Meningitis can end up impairing your cognitive capacity. If you don’t get vaccines the chances of you having a problem later are greater. To encourage a healthy climate around the school you want people to get vaccinated.”
Low-cost health services children are available at the following locations (Please call to make sure they offer immunizations):
St. John’s Well Child and Family Center:
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