Back-to-school time is officially upon us. It can be a busy time – updating the calendar with lots of events, buying additional school supplies, filling out forms, figuring out new schedules – but it’s important to add one more item to your to-do list: making sure your kids are up to date on their vaccines.
Getting children all of the vaccines recommended by CDC’s immunization schedule is one of the most important things parents can do to protect their children’s health – and that of classmates and the community. If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to check with your doctor to find out what vaccines your child needs.
Most schools require children to be current on vaccinations before enrolling to protect the health of all students.
Today’s childhood vaccines protect against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases, including polio, measles, whooping cough and chickenpox.
When children are not vaccinated, they are at increased risk and can spread diseases to others in their classrooms and community – including babies who are too young to be fully vaccinated, and people with weakened immune systems due to cancer and other health conditions.
School age children need vaccines. For example, children who are 4 to 6 years old are due for boosters of four vaccines: DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis), chickenpox, MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) and polio.
Older children, like preteens and teens, need Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), MCV (meningococcal conjugate vaccine) and HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccines whey they are 11 or 12.
In addition, yearly flu vaccines are recommended for all children 6 months and older.
Parents can find out more about the recommended immunization schedule on the CDC’s website or speak with your Harvard Vanguard pediatrician if you have specific questions or concerns.