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The new school year is just around the corner, but right now is the time to be thinking about back-to-school vaccines for your student.
Before your child gets back on the bus, it’s time to get back to the doctor’s office.
“The number one reason to get your kid vaccinated is to protect your kid from these diseases,” said Dr. Sarah Marsh, MD, a pediatrician for St. Joseph’s Primary Care Center West.
Dr. Marsh says right now is the best time to make an appointment for your child to get vaccinated before the new school year starts.
“I would say as soon as possible just because doctor’s offices are busy and everyone is getting the letter that says their kid needs a shot, which means that everyone is calling the doctor all at the same time, and certain grades actually require physicals too. So if parents can call as soon as possible, that’s better,” said Dr. Marsh.
The state requires students to receive all vaccinations to attend school to keep everyone in the classroom safe, unless they have a valid medical exemption.
“A medical exemption would require that somebody be undergoing chemotherapy, have a notable genetic immune deficiency, and these are actually the kids we want people to vaccinate their kids to protect because they can’t get the vaccines because they’ll actually get the illnesses or at least that’s the concern that they would get the illnesses because their immune systems are down,” said Dr. Marsh.
Immunization requirements vary by age. Those in day care, pre-K and beyond must receive a number of vaccinations, including measles, mumps and rubella. Those in middle and high school are required to get Tetanus and Meningitis shots. But just how safe and effective are they?
“Vaccines are safer arguably than any drug on the market. If you were to give your kid Tylenol or amoxicillin, it has been tested a certain amount to make sure that it’s safe. Vaccines are vetted a lot more thoroughly. They have to be researched in a series of trials. They have to be tested in a lot of different people, huge numbers of people,” Dr. Marsh said.
Just last week, more than 200 cases of measles were reported in different states across the U.S. including, New York.
“The cases of measles that have been reported have been reported in people who are not vaccinated, and so another reason to get yourself vaccinated is that if you can protect yourself from these diseases. Arguably, vaccines are the most important medical development ever,” said Dr. Marsh.
If your child is afraid of getting shots, there are several things parents can do to make the process easier and less stressful.
“If your kid is really, really anxious, telling them at the very last second might be the best idea because it’s less time to be anxious. If they’re pretty easy going or if they just do better if they’re prepared, then prepare them,” Dr. Marsh said.
The state also requires parents to show proof that their child is up-to-date on their vaccinations within two weeks of the first day of school or day care.
Preparing to keep everyone in the classroom protected.