Tips for Staying Healthy

Seattle Public Schools (SPS) supports student and staff health throughout the school year. The first confirmed case of measles in a King County resident was reported in June 2024. Measles is a serious disease that causes a rash and fever. It’s very contagious and spreads through the air when a person with measles breathes out.

SPS encourages our community to follow these steps to help limit the spread of respiratory illnesses year-round.

Stop Germs, Stay Healthy 

Stop Germs, Stay Healthy 

• Stay home if you feel sick. Students and staff experiencing new, changed, or worsening respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms should stay home and test for COVID-19. 
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer when unable to wash hands. 
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper arm, not your hand. 
• Wear a high-quality, well-fitting facemask (such as an N95 or KN95) in crowded areas and indoor public spaces.  
• Get vaccinated. Vaccines and boosters are the best protection against illnesses. 
• Get plenty of sleep and eat nutritious foods. Taking care of yourself will help your body stay healthy.  
• Improve indoor ventilation by opening windows and doors and using air filtration devices. 

Vaccines

Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

All SPS students are required to have the MMR vaccine, a lab report showing disease immunity, or a signed certificate of exemption to attend school. More information about required vaccines is available on the SPS website.

Where can my student receive vaccines?

Students can access immunizations at:

• local pharmacies
• their health care provider
• SPS School Based Health Centers (students ages 4-18) with parent consent
  • List of SBHC schools
  • Map of SBHC schools
• Find an immunization clinic (King County Public Health)
• Washington State Childhood Vaccine Program

Information about Additional Vaccines

No Cost COVID-19 Vaccination

Most insurance covers the full cost, and if you don’t have insurance, you can get no cost vaccination at Bridge Access Program locations.

Locations include:

• Public Health’s Kent Vaccination Clinic for updated COVID-19 vaccines and flu shots for the whole family, ages 6 months and older. Drop in or by appointment. More Public Health Kent Vaccination Clinic information.
• CVS, Walgreens, and many Community Health Centers. SeaMar has drop-in vaccination (check ahead to see if children’s vaccine is available).

Need COVID-19 Vaccines for Babies and Children?

No cost vaccination for babies and children 6 months and older at:

• Public Health’s Kent Vaccination Clinic
• Snoqualmie Valley Hospital has drive-through vaccination by appointment on Wednesdays and Fridays.
• Free clinics with ALL the vaccinations required by schools and also COVID-19 and flu shots for families who live in South King County, or don’t have insurance, or are living homeless, or have recently moved to the U.S. and don’t have a medical provider. See the list of Back to School Clinics.

RSV Vaccine

• RSV vaccine is available for people 60 years and over.
• An immunization for infants was approved, but supply is low. The federal government prioritized the limited doses for infants at the highest risk. Anyone who is pregnant can get the RSV vaccine between 32-36 weeks of pregnancy to protect infants after birth.
• The RSV vaccine is available at CVS and Walgreens.

More information about respiratory viruses is available on the Public Health – Seattle & King County website.

Thank you for protecting others and making sure we have a safe back-to-school season! Visit our respiratory illness response webpage for additional information.