Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Department of Public Health Reminds Families to Update Vaccinations and Schedule Physicals Ahead of 2024-25 School Year
Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Department of Public Health Reminds Families to Update Vaccinations and Schedule Physicals Ahead of 2024-25 School Year (Chicago, IL) – With 20 days before the start of school, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and the Chicago Department of Public Health are reminding families today to make sure their children’s health records are updated and compliant with federally-required vaccines and annual physical exams for school attendance before the Aug. 26th first day of the 2024-25 school year. Updated health reports are crucial in helping the District maintain a safe and healthy school environment for students and staff.
Physical examinations and proof of required immunizations must be submitted to school administrators by October 15, 2024. Physical exams are required for students in Pre-K, Kindergarten, sixth grade, ninth grade, and any students entering CPS for the first time.
“As we approach the first day of school on August 26th, it’s critical that parents and guardians take the time to make health care appointments and update immunizations to protect students and staff from vaccine-preventable diseases, ” said CPS CEO Pedro Martinez. “We want to see all of our students on Monday, August 26th and every day after that, healthy and ready to learn.”
Starting October 15th, 2024, principals will temporarily exclude students who do not meet the minimum health requirements and are not a part of an exempt group. Families can find the full Student Health and School Forms Booklet in English and Spanish HERE.
Families can access their child’s official immunization records with the State of Illinois via Vax Verify.
The District continues to supplement access to care through a variety of sources, including partner-managed School-Based Health Centers, CPS-managed vaccination events, and various collaborations with the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH).
“Our message in public health is consistent and clear: vaccines work and provide the best protection against certain communicable diseases,” said CDPH Commissioner Olusimbo ‘Simbo’ Ige, MD, MPH. “To protect your children, yourself and your community, stay up to date on all your vaccinations.”
District families who would like help enrolling their child in health insurance and/or accessing health care can call the Healthy CPS Hotline: 773 553-KIDS (5437) or visit cps.edu/cfbu.
“We’re relying on our CPS families to update their medical records. We don’t want our students to miss school,” said CPS Chief Health Officer Dr. Sofia Adawy Akintunde. “When immunizations are up to date, the entire school community benefits.”
Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Department of Public Health Reminds Families to Update Vaccinations and Schedule Physicals Ahead of 2024-25 School Year
Responses