Vaccinations help children start the school year healthy

As Mississippi families prepare for the start of a new school year, adding one more item to the back-to-school checklist can help keep children healthy in the classroom and beyond: making sure they're up to date on their vaccinations.

The weeks leading up to the first day of school are an ideal time for parents to schedule a well-child visit, review their child's immunization record and catch up on any recommended vaccines. Along with helping protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases, staying current on immunizations helps reduce the spread of illness in schools and throughout the community.

"Back-to-school time is a great opportunity for parents to review their child's immunization status with their pediatrician," said Dr. Anza M. Stanley, associate professor of pediatrics and Batson Kids Clinic medical director.  "This is the time of year when large groups of children are coming together. Making sure your child is up to date on immunizations helps provide protection against vaccine-preventable illnesses that can spread quickly in these settings."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children receive vaccines throughout infancy, childhood and adolescence to protect against serious diseases. Parents who are unsure whether their child is current on recommended immunizations can review the CDC's Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule before talking with their pediatrician.

Scheduling a well-child visit before school starts also gives families the opportunity to discuss more than vaccines.

"Families can talk with their pediatrician not only about vaccine status, but also about their child's overall health, growth and development," Stanley said.

Vaccinations protect more than the child receiving them. They also help reduce the spread of disease in classrooms, on playgrounds and throughout the community.

"Vaccines are one of the safest and most effective ways we have to prevent serious infectious diseases," Stanley said. "While they protect the individual child receiving the vaccine, they also help reduce the spread of illness within schools and communities. When vaccination rates are high, it's much harder for diseases to spread, creating an overall healthier environment."

She said choosing to vaccinate also helps protect infants, children with certain medical conditions and others who may not be able to receive some vaccines or have weakened immune systems.

Parents often have questions about childhood vaccines, whether they're concerned about vaccine safety, the number of vaccines recommended or diseases that are now rarely seen.

"I encourage parents to ask any and all of their questions," Stanley said. "My goal is never to pressure families but to make sure they have accurate, evidence-based information so they can make informed decisions for their children and families."

According to the CDC, recommended vaccines vary by age. Parents can review the agency's Vaccines by Age guidance or ask their pediatrician to determine whether their child is due for any routine or catch-up immunizations.

For families who have delayed scheduling appointments, Stanley encourages them to act soon.

"I encourage families not to wait until the last minute for their school health needs," she said. "Appointments can fill up quickly this time of year. Our team can review each child's immunization record, answer questions about recommended vaccines and make sure children start the school year healthy, protected and ready to learn."

Batson Kids Clinic provides comprehensive primary care for children from birth through adolescence, including well-child visits, routine immunizations, sports physicals, sick visits and preventive care.

Appointments at the Batson Kids Clinic can be made online or by calling 888-815-2005.
 

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