Summer break is coming to an end, and students are back to school. With the help of their parents and guardians, they have their school supplies, plan their schedules, and are mentally prepared for the year ahead. One important task to add to the list is to make sure that children are up to date on their immunizations.
Why Immunizations Matter
Immunizations play a key role in protecting your child from serious and life-threatening diseases. They work by teaching the body how to fight off infections. Vaccines are not only important for your child’s health, but they also help keep the community safe from certain diseases.
This is especially important in schools, where children are in close contact with one another and can easily spread illnesses. Diseases like measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and whooping cough are just a few examples of serious illnesses that have been greatly reduced due to immunizations. Keeping up with vaccines helps ensure these diseases don’t make a comeback.
Staying Up to Date on Vaccines
Schools require proof of immunizations before children can go to class. So, it is important for parents and guardians to check their child’s vaccine records and talk with their healthcare providers to make sure their child is up to date before the new school year.
Most vaccines are given in series, meaning they require more than one dose of a vaccine, spread out over time. This allows the children to build immunity and ensure that the children remain protected against diseases. It is important to take care of gaps in vaccinations as soon as possible to make sure there are no breaks in your child’s education.
Flu Vaccines
It is recommended to receive the flu vaccine every year. It protects against the seasonal flu that can be severe and spread quickly in school. It is available as early as late August at many doctor’s offices and pharmacies. However, it is recommended to receive it in September or October to ensure you are immune during the peak of flu season.
“Big Kid” Vaccines
While most vaccines are given in childhood, there are a few vaccines recommended for older children. The HPV vaccine is recommended for preteens and teenagers. This vaccine helps protect against cancers caused by HPV infections that can occur later in life.
The meningococcal vaccine is required for college students. It protects against a disease that is easily spread on college campuses and can result in hearing loss, brain damage, and even death. Therefore, it is important for adolescents to receive this vaccine before heading out to college.
Vaccine Hesitation
Some parents worry about vaccines and wonder if they are safe. It is important to remember that vaccines are tested to make sure they are safe and effective. Vaccines are also important to keep your child healthy and protect those around them, especially those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons. In today’s world, it is easy to come across misinformation about vaccines.
So, if you have concerns about vaccines do not hesitate to ask your healthcare provider. Education and open conversations are the best ways to make the best choice regarding your child’s health.
Conclusion
Vaccines are a small step that makes a big difference in preventing illness. Making sure your child’s vaccines are up to date is a simple way to keep them and their friends healthy.
Hope everyone has a healthy and successful school year!
Dr. Fakes is a resident physician who sees patients of all ages and provides obstetrical services at Lone Star Family Health Center, a non-profit 501©3 Federally Qualified Health Center operating facilities in Conroe, Spring, Willis, Grangerland, and Huntsville, and serving as home to a fully integrated Family Medicine Residency Program to increase the number of Family Medicine physicians for Texas and our community.
