Staff Vaccinations

Tetanus-diphtheria (TD) and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)

Staff are encouraged to attest to MMR vaccination status upon hire. An Immunization History form is included in the New Hire Packet and is completed in our digital record system, Frontline Central.

Frontline Central has met all safety requirements of our data privacy protocols.

State law “does not include language requiring school staff and volunteers to provide documentation of immunity to MMR disease unless they are supervising children in an early learning program. However, the Department of Health encourages anyone who is around children to be immunized against contagious diseases and up to date with any recommended vaccines.”

Source: DOH Immunization Manual, (Pgs. 30,31)

A state law was passed in 2019 where “personal exemptions” were removed for the MMR vaccinations. Staff may record a religious exemption for these vaccinations.

Coronavirus 19, COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2

Staff are required to provide proof of immunity to COVID-19 upon hire. A visual inspection of government-issued vaccination record occurs prior to hire.

Prior to New Employee Orientation (NEO), new employees complete a COVID-19 Vaccination Attestation included in the New Hire Packet. This form is completed in our digital record system, Frontline Central. The COVID-19 vaccination mandate includes access to a “religious or medical exemption.” A request for exemption may be indicated on this form. For more on Vaccination Exemptions please see the section below.

Frontline Central has met all safety requirements of our data privacy protocols.

Who must comply with this requirement?

• Contractors/Partners: All people working under a contract or partnership and who are working with students or staff, are required to be vaccinated or have a qualified exemption. The only exception is for contractors/partners who are only physically present for short periods of time without close proximity to others.
• Volunteers: Volunteers who engage or are reasonably likely to engage in work near others while physically present in a district school or facility for longer periods of time are required to be vaccinated or have a qualified exemption. This includes parents volunteering in schools
• People/organizations with a facilities use permit for use of an HPS facility: Groups working under a facilities use permit must comply with this requirement if the district facility will be used during the school day and it is likely that there will be contact with district staff, students, or other people working in the facility. Childcare services working under a facilities use permit outside of the school day must also comply with this requirement. Groups using a facility outside of the normal school day and not affiliated with the District are exempt from the District’s requirements.

Per the order by Governor Inslee on August 18, 2021, COVID-19 vaccines (or a qualified exemption) are required for all K-12 employees as a condition of employment. This verification, or determination of qualified exemption, must be completed for employment with Highline Public Schools. Exemptions must be requested to Human Resources and approved prior to hire.

Source: Proclamation By The Governor Amending Proclamations 20-05 And 20-14, 21-14.1 Covid-19 Vaccination Requirement

• Employees may be eligible for a “qualified exemption” to vaccinations.
• Religious exemption is available for both the MMR and COVID-19 vaccinations.
• Information about exemptions is available on the reporting forms “Immunization History” (MMR) and COVID-19 Vaccination Verification (COVID-19).
• OSPI has released guidance for evaluating religious accommodation requests.

What Process will HPS use to Validate Vaccinations and/or Qualified Exemptions?

For Employees: Employees will upload a medical document (provided), for COVID-19 medical exemption requests. Highline Human Resources team will receive and review COVID-19 religious exemption requests to ensure completion of all required fields, and that responses are consistent with the questions asked below.

1. Below, describe the religious belief, practice, or observance that is the basis for your request for a religious accommodation.
2. Does your religious belief, practice, or observance lead you to object to
   1. All medical treatment
   2. All vaccinations
   3. Only the COVID-19 vaccination
3. Briefly explain how your sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance conflicts with the COVID-19 vaccination requirement.
4. Briefly describe the accommodation you are requesting.
5. If the request for accommodation is temporary, please identify the anticipated date the accommodation is no longer needed.

For Contractors: Please see the HPS Vaccine/Exemption Declaration 9.14.21