Everett Public Schools families who haven't gotten their children's shots up to date have a free option before the school year starts: a no-cost vaccination clinic on Friday, Aug. 21, at the district's Community Resource Center, 3900 Broadway Ave.

Under Washington state law, children who lack proof of required immunizations can be barred from attending school. The first day of classes for EPS students is Wednesday, Sept. 2.

Walk-ins are limited.

The Snohomish County Health Department is hosting the clinic from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in partnership with the Edmonds College Nursing Department, according to the department's event listing. All school-required vaccines will be provided at no cost for children 18 and younger. Families are encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance through the health department's website.

The Everett clinic is one of four the health department is running across the county this month. Others are scheduled in Marysville (Tuesday, Aug. 18), Mukilteo (Monday, Aug. 24) and Monroe (Wednesday, Aug. 26, for Monroe School District students only).

Dr. James Lewis, health officer for the Snohomish County Health Department, addressed confusion stemming from recent federal communications about vaccine guidance. "We want to make it clear that there are no changes to current vaccine recommendations in Washington state and other members of the West Coast Health Alliance (Oregon, California and Hawaii)," Lewis said in the department's Aug. 12 announcement.

Washington's requirements follow the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices schedule and include vaccines for hepatitis B, DTaP/Tdap, polio, MMR and varicella, according to the state Department of Health. The requirements were last revised in February 2026.

Children who need to catch up on doses may remain in school under "conditional status" while completing their series, but must follow up within required timeframes or face exclusion.

Families can check their child's immunization records at www.myirmobile.com. High school fall sports begin Aug. 24 and football starts Aug. 19, so student-athletes face an even tighter deadline to get current on shots.