The immunization status of kindergarten students is assessed by California schools and reported to the Immunization Branch of the California Department of Health Services. The California School Immunization Law requires that children receive a series of immunizations before entry into schools, child care centers/preschools and family child care homes.

Immunization protects community health in multiple ways: immunized individuals are protected from disease; if the community is immunized, the target disease is minimized or eradicated; and those who have weak immune systems or cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons are protected in an immunized community. Children are more vulnerable and prone to illness than healthy adults due to their immature immune systems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends young children should be fully immunized against Polio, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Whooping Cough), Tetanus, Measles, Mumps, and Rubella, Varicella (Chicken Pox), Haemophilus Influenza Type B, Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B.

Data Source: CA Department of Health Services

In 2011, Tahoe Forest Health System (TFHS) convened a group of health professionals to focus on improving immunizations rates within TTUSD through targeted parent outreach.