The start of school is an exciting time of year for students and families. As students go back to school, it is important that they are up to date on their immunizations.
Rebecca D. Lewis, DO, FACOFP, family medicine physician with St. Mary’s Physician Associates, talks about the importance of vaccines and the ones that should be given prior to the beginning of school.
Why are vaccinations important?
Vaccinations protect students from diseases and help keep them healthy. On-time vaccinations help provide immunity before children are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases. Vaccines are tested to ensure that they are safe and effective for children to receive at the recommended ages.
What vaccinations does my child require?
- School age: kindergarten vaccinations for ages 4-6 include: DTap (which is diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis [whooping cough] booster), polio and 2nd doses of MMRV or measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox).
- Prior to entering 7th grade or for ages 11-12: Tdap (tetanus booster and pertussis) and first dose of Meningitis vaccination (MenACWY).
- Ages 11-16: eligible for HPV vaccination (Gardasil). The second dose of meningitis (MenACWY) and the first dose of a second meningitis vaccine (MenB) are available at 16 and highly recommended for any child that will be in a large group situation such as staying in dorms, and team sports.
- Annual flu vaccinations are important and typically available September of each year.
- Please talk to your child’s physician about the vaccinations that are recommended for your child.
What are the recommendations for the COVID vaccine for children?
For the best protection, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends COVID-19 vaccines for everyone 6 months and older. A COVID-19 vaccine and booster, updated to the most common strain of the virus that causes COVID-19, might prevent your child from getting the COVID-19 virus or becoming seriously ill or hospitalized due to COVID-19. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine can help your child more safely participate in sports and other group activities too.
Does insurance cover vaccinations?
Most insurances cover scheduled vaccinations. If you don’t have health insurance, or if it does not cover vaccines, there are programs that may offer financial help.
To make an appointment with a St. Mary’s Physician Associates provider online, visit stmarysphysicianassociates.com. For physician referral assistance, call 580-599-6391.
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