5004 Infection Control Program

In order to safeguard the school community from the spread of certain vaccine-preventable diseases and in recognition that prevention is a means of combating the spread of disease, the board strongly urges that susceptible school staff members (including volunteers) provide evidence of immunity against TD (Tetanus-Diphtheria) and MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella). Staff members born prior to January 1, 1957, need not provide evidence of immunity to measles; these individuals are considered naturally immune.

In the event of an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease in school, the local health officer has the authority to exclude a susceptible staff member. A staff member granted an exemption for religious, philosophical, or medical reasons, or without an acceptable immunization record on file may, be excluded, as he/she is considered to be susceptible. If excluded, he/she is not eligible to receive sick leave benefits because of the exclusion itself. To qualify for benefits, he/she must be ill or temporarily physically-disabled, or is otherwise provided for in a collective bargaining agreement.

Blood or Other Potentially Infectious Material

The superintendent or designee shall evaluate all job duties of district employees to determine which employees have reasonably anticipated on-the-job exposure to blood or other potentially infectious material. The district shall maintain a list of job classifications where employees have reasonably anticipated exposure to blood or other potentially infectious material. The hepatitis B vaccine shall be provided at the district's expense to all employees identified as having risk of directly contacting blood or other potentially infectious material at work.

In the event that an employee has a specific exposure to blood or other potentially infectious material, the employee will be provided, at district expense, with confidential medical evaluation, follow-up, and treatment, if indicated.

The district shall provide annual training to all employees with reasonably anticipated exposure to blood or other potentially infectious material. All employees shall receive district provided training on HIV/AIDS within six months of initial employment.

Records shall be kept in strict confidence regarding the hepatitis B vaccine status of all employees with reasonably anticipated exposure to blood or other potentially infectious material, and for each occupational exposure an employee has to blood or other potentially infectious material. The records shall be kept for the duration of the employee's employment, plus thirty years. The district shall also keep records that employees have received appropriate training.

Preventing, Supressing, and Controlling Contagious and Infectious Diseases

The district will follow lawful regulations, orders, and proclamations about preventing, suppressing, and controlling contagious and infectious diseases.

Legal References:

RCW 70.05.120 Violations – Remedies - Penalties