(1) The department shall develop and distribute implementation guidelines for schools and child care centers that:

(a) Interpret immunization requirements by grade level consistent with the ages specified in the national immunization guidelines and this chapter; and

(b) Reflect national immunization guidelines for children who did not receive required immunizations prior to entry into kindergarten or first grade, and for whom a full series of immunizations is not recommended.

(2) The department may develop school implementation guidelines that waive or modify immunization requirements when a phasing-in period is warranted for a new immunization mandate, when there is limited availability of a required immunizing agent, or when new information about the safety or efficacy of an immunizing agent prompts a reevaluation of an existing vaccination requirement. Any waiver or modification must:

(a) Reflect the best available medical research as indicated by the ACIP or the state health officer recommendation;

(b) Identify a specific vaccine-preventable disease or immunizing agent;

(c) Identify a specific cohort of children by age or grade level;

(d) Be limited in duration; and

(e) Be approved by the board.

(1) The department shall develop and distribute implementation guidelines for schools and child care centers that:

(a) Meet the requirement of WAC 246-105-040(2); and

(b) Reflect national immunization guidelines for children who did not receive required immunizations prior to entry into kindergarten or first grade, and for whom a full series of immunizations is not recommended.

(2) The department may develop school implementation guidelines that waive or modify immunization requirements when a phasing-in period is warranted for a new immunization mandate, when there is limited availability of a required immunizing agent, or when new information about the safety or efficacy of an immunizing agent prompts a reevaluation of an existing vaccination requirement. Any waiver or modification must:

(a) Reflect the best available medical research as indicated by the ACIP or the state health officer recommendation;

(b) Identify a specific vaccine-preventable disease or immunizing agent;

(c) Identify a specific cohort of children by age or grade level;

(d) Be limited in duration; and

(e) Be approved by the board.