Washington County residents of any income level can get vaccines in February before the state deadline for children to attend school.

All school-age children in Oregon must have proof they have been immunized by Feb. 20 or they won’t be able to attend school. Parents can get exemptions based on specific criteria, such as medical reasons.

Contagious diseases can spread rapidly in closed, close-knit communities like schools, as evidenced by the current measles outbreak in Clark County. Measles has already affected four schools, three of which are elementaries, and is expected to keep spreading, especially among children 10 and younger.

“The current measles outbreak in Clark County is a compelling example of why getting your children vaccinated is so important,” says Washington County Deputy Health Officer Dr. Christina Baumann.

The measles vaccine is about 97 percent effective, and Washington County has made it free or low-cost to families that need it.

Here are ways to get necessary vaccines: