With the hustle and bustle of preparing for a new school year, making sure your child is up-to-date with their shots might not be at the top of your to-do list. However, back-to-school immunizations are critical to protect your child and your family from preventable diseases. August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM), and it’s the perfect time to emphasize the importance of vaccinations for children and families.
Why Immunizations Matter
Vaccines are a crucial part of public health. They protect people from diseases by helping the body fight off infections. For children, immunizations are especially important because their bodies are still growing. By vaccinating your child, you not only protect them from serious diseases but also help protect other children and individuals in the community who may be unable to get vaccinated due to medical reasons.
The Importance of Back-to-School Immunizations
As children return to school, they are close to their peers, increasing the risk of spreading infectious diseases. Vaccinations help reduce the likelihood of outbreaks of diseases like measles, mumps, and whooping cough. Ensuring that your child’s immunizations are up-to-date can prevent these diseases from spreading in schools and the wider community.
Recommended Vaccinations for School-Aged Children
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following vaccinations for school-aged children:
- DTaP: Protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough).
- MMR: Protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.
- Varicella: Protects against chickenpox.
- Polio: Protects against poliovirus.
- Hepatitis B: Protects against hepatitis B virus.
- Meningococcal: Protects against meningococcal disease.
- HPV: Protects against human papillomavirus, which can lead to certain cancers.
- Influenza: Protects against the flu (annual vaccination recommended).
Promoting Wellness Visits and Open Communication
Regular wellness visits are key to keeping your child healthy. These visits allow doctors to check your child’s growth and development and provide important vaccinations. During a wellness visit, you can talk about any questions or concerns you may have about immunizations with your child’s doctor. Open communication helps ensure you have the most accurate information to make the best choices about your child’s health.
Addressing Common Concerns
It’s normal for parents to have questions and worries about vaccines. Some common concerns include the safety and side effects of vaccines. Vaccines undergo careful testing and monitoring to make sure they are safe and work well. Serious side effects are rare, and the benefits of vaccination are much greater than the risks.
For accurate and reliable information, refer to trustworthy sources such as the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). These organizations provide detailed information on the safety and benefits of vaccines.
National Immunization Awareness Month is a reminder of the vital role vaccinations play in protecting the health of our children and communities. As the new school year approaches, take the time to ensure your child is up-to-date with their immunizations. By doing so, you’re taking an important step in safeguarding their health and the health of those around them. Remember, immunizations are a key part of primary care, and your child’s doctor is your best resource for ensuring your child stays healthy and protected, one shot at a time.
Want to get a head start on your health? Call MHEDS at 814-453-6229 (Peach Street) or 814-616-7730 (John F. Kennedy Center).
Our health information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist the public in learning more about their health. MHEDS’ providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021). Immunization Schedules.
www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/imz-schedules/index.html - American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). (2021). Immunizations.
www.aap.org/en/patient-care/immunizations
