As children prepare to head back to school, one of the most important things they can do is ensure their vaccinations are up to date. Many vaccine-preventable illnesses are more severe in children and can lead to hospitalization or even death. The importance of back-to-school immunizations can’t be overstated.

Why Should You Immunize?

Immunizations are one of the most successful and cost-effective public health interventions available. They not only protect vaccinated individuals but also help reduce the spread of disease in communities by protecting those who cannot be vaccinated, such as young infants and people with weakened immune systems.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends several vaccines for children aged four months through 18 years, including shots to protect against:

• diphtheria
• tetanus
• pertussis (whooping cough)
• measles
• mumps
• rubella (German measles)
• polio
• chickenpox
• influenza (flu)

Some of these diseases are much more severe in children than adults. For example, while most adults who contract measles will recover without serious consequences, children are at risk for pneumonia, ear infections, diarrhea, and even death.

The CDC estimates that vaccinations will prevent 400 million illnesses, save 4 million lives, and $1.38 trillion in societal costs over the next two decades.

The best way to protect against these dangerous diseases is to ensure your child is up to date on their vaccinations. You can talk to your health professional to determine recommended back-to-school immunizations and when they should be given.

The Importance of Back-to-School Immunizations: What Immunizations Are Recommended?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), school-age children are recommended to receive the following immunizations:

DTaP – Diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis

MMR – Measles, mumps, and rubella

Varicella – Chickenpox

Hepatitis A – A virus that attacks the liver

Hepatitis B – A virus that attacks the liver

HPV – Human papillomavirus, which can cause cancer

Hib – A bacteria that can cause meningitis and pneumonia

PCV13 – Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, which protects against 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria

MCV4 – Meningococcal conjugate vaccine, which protects against four types of meningococcal bacteria

Some states also require other vaccines, such as Polio and Rotavirus. The best way to find out what back-to-school immunizations your child needs is to talk to your healthcare provider.

It’s also important to note that some children may not be able to receive certain immunizations, such as those with weakened immune systems or allergies. In these cases, it’s even more important for those around them to be vaccinated to create what’s known as herd immunity. This helps protect vulnerable individuals by reducing the overall amount of disease in the population.

The Importance of Back-to-School Immunizations: The Bottom Line

The importance of back-to-school immunizations cannot be overstated. Vaccines are a safe and effective way to keep children healthy and help prevent the spread of disease in our communities. If your child is not up to date on their vaccinations, it is time to get them caught up. The bottom line is that immunizing your child is one of the best things you can do to protect their health and the health of those around them.

Affordacare provides affordable and convenient urgent care and many other services, including vaccinations and immunizations. The start of the school year is a great time to ensure your child is up to date on their immunizations. Your child may need many other vaccines depending on their age, health condition, and travel plans. A friendly chat with one of our caring team members at Affordacare Urgent Care can determine which immunizations suit your child.

Immunizations are essential to keeping your child healthy, and Affordacare Urgent Care is here to help! We offer convenient hours and locations, as well as affordable pricing. No appointment is necessary – just walk in! The importance of back-to-school immunizations is something we feel strongly about, and we hope you do too. Contact us today with any questions or to get started.