Back to School Immunizations – Do Your Kids Have What They Need?

Back to School Immunizations – Do Your Kids Have What They Need?

Pencils? Check! Paper? Check! Backpack? Check! Tdap vaccine? Hmmm…. It is back to school time and one thing everyone needs to have on their back to school checklist are vaccines.  Many schools require students to be current on their immunizations before they can return to school.  Immunizations are important before students return to school because they help protect your child from certain illnesses and disease and help protect schools and other students from outbreaks and the spread of illnesses and diseases.  Vaccines are important, particularly right at the beginning of elementary school and junior high/high school because there are certain vaccinations that are generally administered between ages 4-6 and ages 11-12.  Vaccine requirements do change from time to time based on recommendations from the CDC so it is important to check with your school to determine what is required for your student to return.

Though it may seem that many diseases and illness have been “eradicated,” it is just because vaccines are doing what they are supposed to do!  If immunization is discontinued, many diseases and illnesses will become more prevalent.  The CDC explains why immunizations are incredibly important in school-age children, “It’s true that some vaccine-preventable diseases have become very rare thanks to vaccines. However, cases and outbreaks still happen. The United States experienced a record number of measles cases during 2014, with 668 cases from 27 states reported to CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD). This is the greatest number of cases since measles elimination was documented in the U.S. in 2000. From January 2 to July 22, 2016, there have been 48 cases of measles reported in the United States. From January 1– June 13, 2016, almost 6,000 cases of whooping cough have been reported to CDC by 50 states and Puerto Rico. Outbreaks of whooping cough at middle and high schools can occur as protection from childhood vaccines fades. Those who are vaccinated against whooping cough but still get the disease are more likely to have a mild illness compared to those who never received the vaccine.”

At DC Ranch Family Medicine, we believe all students should be current on their vaccinations for overall health and wellness.  We can assist you with any of your immunization needs and answer any questions you might have. If you need help finding out what immunizations are required, the Arizona Department of Health Services has a helpful list HERE. Often, children are required to present immunization records in order to return to school.  At DC Ranch Family Medicine, we can assist you with that and provide you with your child’s most current immunization records.