Child-Care Providers: Immunization Course Available and More Resources

The role adults play in preventing diseases is often overlooked, but child-care providers and educators of young kids may consider further education and training on the topic
of immunizations.

A number of immunizations may be required as an adult, so if you’re not sure if you need one or if you've already been vaccinated, talk to your doctor or a public health professional. A good place to begin looking for more vaccination information is the Washington Department of Health's web page on vaccinations. The state's requirements for parents and child-care providers is clearly represented in multiple languages.

Another resource targeted specifically at people who care for children is the recently available, free course offered by the Coalition for Safety and Health in Early Learning (CSHEL) and WithinReach. 

“Adult Immunizations” is a free online course offering 2 STARS credits. English and Spanish
versions are currently available.

Immunizations protect you, your family, and the children in your care. Taking this course will allow you to learn more about the immunizations adults need in the child care setting and beyond.

Topics include:

• How immunizations work
• Diseases vaccines prevent
• Vaccine safety
• Community (herd) Immunity
• Requirements in the child care setting
• Reporting & disease investigations in the child care setting

To participate, go to www.cshelwa.org.
To view the official flyer click here: Official "Adult Immunizations" Flyer.

The Washington Department of Health cites clear reasons to get vaccinated:

• To keep you and your family healthy.
• To keep your community healthy.
• To protect loved ones from disease.
• To stop the spread of disease to the most vulnerable populations.
• Because other parents and experts agree it’s the best thing you can do to keep your family healthy.

If you are a child-care provider, an educator of young children, or a parent, consider furthering your education and training about the required vaccinations and schedules. For even more information on childhood disease prevention, visit DEL's web page dedicated to that topic.