In response to the recent resurgence of measles cases in the U.S., Hopkins House tightened its preschool academy immunization policy.

 

Measles is a childhood disease thought to have been nearly eradicated 19 years ago. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of cases in the U.S., totaling 555 so far this year, has reached the second highest number of measles cases in 25 years. Cases have been reported in the District of Columbia and 20 states in the U.S., including Maryland. So far, no cases have been reported in Virginia.

 

The Programs & Assessment Committee, a panel reporting to the Hopkins House trustees and comprised of management, staff, parents, and trustee representatives, voted to strengthen the immunization policy. 

 

Although all children currently enrolled at Hopkins House have been immunized, committee members believe that the organization's previous policy, which relied on rules set forth by the Virginia Department of Social Services, contained loopholes that could have placed the health of Hopkins House Preschool Academy young scholars at risk.

 

The committee voted unanimously to require parents/guardians of prospective students to provide evidentiary proof that their child has been immunized in accordance with the Virginia Department of Health’s "School & Day Care Minimum Immunization Requirements" prior to enrollment in the academy. The new rule, enacted by the committee, disallows exceptions on any grounds.

 

The rule change was endorsed by the Parents Councils at all three Hopkins House Preschool Academies. It takes effect immediately and will be published in the 2019/2020 Hopkins House Preschool Academy Handbook at the start of the new preschool year in September.