As Winter Break approaches, we hope your family enjoys a restful and rejuvenating time together. This break is an excellent opportunity to focus on your child’s well-being and preventive health as we head into the cold and flu season.
During the break, we encourage you to:
Prioritize rest, good sleep, nutritious meals and physical activity to support overall health.
Schedule well-child visits or follow-ups with your medical provider to address any ongoing health needs or overdue check-ups.
Review and update your child’s immunizations, including those required for school attendance in Washington state. Students must have medically verified immunization records on file to attend school.
- DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis)
- Hepatitis B
- IPV (polio)
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
- Varicella (chickenpox)
- Tdap booster for grades 7-12 (typically at age 11-12)
If there is a medical, philosophical, or religious membership reason your child cannot be vaccinated, they must have a Certificate of Exemption on file.
Take advantage of the seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccine for everyone 6 months and older, even if your child has received other vaccines this year.
If your child is behind on vaccinations or you have questions about required immunizations, your medical provider can help catch up on vaccines and provide the documentation schools require. You can also access your child’s immunization history through the WA Immunization Information System MyIR, or ask your provider to print a Certificate of Immunization Status form.
The Washington State Childhood Vaccine Program (CVP) provides publicly purchased vaccines to participating providers for all children less than 19 years of age. All providers enrolled in the CVP receive publicly supplied vaccine at no cost for all children seen at the practice. This provider map can be used to identify Childhood Vaccine Providers.
Please note the Highland Health Center through International Community Health Services (ICHS) at Highland Middle School will be closed during winter break and will reopen on January 5, 2026. If your child is a patient at Highland Health Center and needs health services over the break, please contact the ICHS Bellevue and Dental Clinic.
Support for Families Facing Food Insecurity
We understand that not every family has consistent access to nutritious food, and that food insecurity can affect health and well-being. Help is available through community food assistance programs, free food banks, pantry programs, and public health resources.
Local Food Assistance Resources
Hopelink Bellevue- Food markets offering fresh and shelf-stable groceries (enrollment required).
Renewal Food Bank- Free food assistance with produce, pantry items and hygiene products.
Muslim Association of Puget Sound- Hot Meals, food/gas cards, non-perishable food, hot holiday meal program, and many other community resources.
United Way King County – culturally relevant groceries through community partnerships and access to other resources.
We wish you a safe, healthy, and restorative winter break, and we look forward to welcoming students back in the new year.
Warm regards,
Karla Rimmer, MSN, RN, ESA
Health Services Coordinator
Bellevue School District
