School Nurses & Staff

The Snohomish County Health Department provides guidance to schools related to illness reporting, including information about school absenteeism and reporting outbreaks and clusters of illness within a classroom or school.

immunization rule change 2020

Please see the Materials Reference Guide for access to information and resources to keep your school communities up to date.

Disease reporting requirements

In general, schools only need to report outbreaks of illness - not individual sick children - to the Snohomish County Health Department. Defining what constitutes an outbreak can be difficult and will vary depending on the type of disease and protocols. Please refer to Washington State OSPI Infectious Disease Control Guide (PDF) for more information.

The Snohomish County Health Department also offers forms and resources for reporting outbreaks and illness:

• School absenteeism letter (PDF)
• School 10% absenteeism reporting form (PDF)

Resources for school nurses

Snohomish County Health Department has a public health nurse who advises school nurses, child cares, and preschools on immunizations for students and staff.

• School Immunization Toolkit 2022-23
• Immunization Resources (PDF)
• 2022-2023 Changes Quick Reference Guide
• Individual Vaccine Requirements Summary 2022-2023 (PDF) - Guidelines on Immunizations Required for Child Care/Preschool and School Entry in Washington State
• COVID Vaccine Toolkit for Schools (PowerPoint) includes sample letters and social media in English and Spanish
• Conditional Status Catch-Up Schedule for age 4 years and older

Reporting flu and influenza-like illness

Influenza surveillance is conducted throughout Snohomish County and involves schools, healthcare providers, and long-term care facilities. View updates of flu activity in Washington State (PDF). Use the School Absenteeism Reporting Form (PDF).