Tag: Back to School

As the back-to-school season begins, kids won’t just be bringing home new school supplies and homework — they’ll also be bringing home germs. Schools are inherently known for spreading illnesses, such as colds, flu, strep throat, norovirus, and even COVID-19, as everyone is in close quarters with each other.

A report from the Centres of Disease Control and Prevention showed that in 2022, around 3 million U.S. children, or 5.8% of those aged 5–17, were chronically absent from school due to health-related issues. These numbers are concerning because of its potential long-term impact on academic performance, school engagement, and the risk of school dropout. To reduce these risks, there are a few things parents and children can do to make sure they don’t miss out.

The Rise in COVID-19 and How to Avoid it

During this summer, the United States has seen a rise in COVID-19 cases, with infections expected to continue increasing as kids start to crowd their school hallways. The current dominant strains, KP.3 and KP.3.1.1, are known to be more contagious and better at evading vaccine-induced immunity than previous variants. If you feel sick or suspect you might have COVID-19, it’s important to stay home. However, being vaccinated can help you return to normal activities more quickly once your symptoms improve and you’ve been fever-free for 24 hours without using medication.

Getting vaccinated and staying home when you’re sick is easier said than done, but it’s important for trying to mitigate the risk of this tricky virus. COVID-19 can spread without people even realizing it. A two-year study of over 160,000 households found that more than 70% of viral transmissions, including COVID-19, started with a child.It was also found that these pediatric transmissions dropped by 60% to 80% during school breaks, highlighting the significant role school attendance plays in the spread of the virus.

Vaccinations: A Key Line of Defense

As mentioned above, vaccinations are important to reducing the chance of getting and spreading diseases in school. Vaccines are able to reduce the transmission of illnesses like the flu and COVID-19 by 40% to 50%, and other childhood diseases like pneumococcal infections, chickenpox, and polio by even higher percentages.

There have been some growing concerns and doubts among some parents about the safety or efficacy of vaccines. If you’re on the fence about getting vaccinated, it’s important to seek out reliable information from trusted sources such as healthcare professionals and reputable health organizations. Discuss your concerns with your doctor, who can provide evidence-based answers and address any specific worries you might have. Educate yourself about the benefits of vaccination for your children’s health and those around you. Making an informed decision can help protect yourself and others from preventable diseases.

Good Hygiene Practices to Reduce the Spread of Illness

Vaccines are the number one way to help prevent the spread of illness, but there are other strategies to consider. The CDC issued guidelines earlier this year for preventing the spread of infectious diseases in schools, focusing on respiratory etiquette, hand-washing, and vaccination.

Coughing and Sneezing Etiquette: Proper coughing and sneezing hygiene is essential in reducing the transmission of respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 and the flu. Try to encourage your children to cover their mouths and noses with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and to wash their hands immediately afterward. If a tissue isn’t close by, coughing or sneezing into the elbow is the next best option.

Hand-Washing: With classrooms full of high-touch surfaces, such as door handles, shared supplies, and sports equipment, proper hand-washing is very important for hygiene. It can prevent about 30% of diarrhea-related illnesses and 20% of respiratory infections.

When to Keep Kids Home from School

Even if you can push through, taking a day to recover can be the best choice. One of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of illness in schools is to keep your children home when they’re sick. Not only do sick children risk infecting their classmates, but they can also spread illness to teachers and staff, which can cause even further disruptions to your child’s education.

These tips cannot be implemented overnight. It takes practice to reinforce healthy habits that can reduce illness. Other things, such as getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and regular physical activity, can help strengthen your child’s immune system. These practices benefit the whole family and can make a big difference in keeping everyone healthy throughout the school year.

Sources:

Jama Network: Smart Thermometer–Based Participatory Surveillance to Discern the Role of Children in Household Viral Transmission During the COVID-19 Pandemic

CDC: Chronic School Absenteeism for Health-related Reasons Among Children Ages 5‒17 Years: United States, 2022

CDC: Vaccines

CDC: Clean Hands

With the beginning of school only weeks away, it’s time to pack those bags and gather all the essentials to start the school year off right. While you’re busy gathering everything your child needs, don’t overlook one crucial aspect: ensuring their health is up-to-date. This means scheduling a check-up to confirm they’ve received all the required vaccinations, regardless of the educational level they are entering.

You must provide proof of their vaccination records to enroll your child in school. Most vaccinations your child needs are administered before they turn two; however, additional doses, such as boosters, are necessary as they age. If your child is entering kindergarten, they must get the tetanus and whooping cough booster, polio booster, measles-mumps-rubella booster, and chickenpox booster vaccines. But how do you know when to get that extra boost?

Keeping Vaccine Records Up-to-Date

It is important to keep your child’s vaccine records updated for your peace of mind and to protect them. Each child is given a vaccine card at birth, which should be brought to every well-child visit. This card holds your vaccination history from infant to adult. This allows healthcare providers to review and ensure the records are current. Mismatches between school records and those at the doctor’s office can cause issues, so ensure the information aligns. You can always request a copy of your child’s vaccine records from your doctor to provide to the school if needed.

What Vaccines Does My Child Need?

To ensure your child has their vaccinations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides a detailed immunization schedule for children, updated annually.

The schedule is divided into age-specific recommendations for vaccines, including:

Birth to 6 Years

● Birth: Hepatitis B (HepB)

● 1–2 Months: HepB, DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis), Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b), IPV (Inactivated Poliovirus), PCV13 (Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine), RV (Rotavirus)

● 4–6 Months: DTaP, Hib, IPV, PCV13, RV

● 6–18 Months: HepB, DTaP, Hib, IPV, PCV13, RV

● 12–15 Months: Hib, PCV13, MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), VAR (Varicella), HepA (Hepatitis A)

● 15–18 Months: DTaP

● 18–24 Months: HepA

● 4–6 Years: DTaP, IPV, MMR, VAR

7–18 Years

● 11–12 Years: Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis), MCV4 (Meningococcal conjugate), HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

● 16 Years: MCV4 (booster)

You can check the CDC’s official website or consult a healthcare provider for the most current and detailed schedule

.

What to Do If Vaccine Records Are Missing or You’re New to the Country?

Misplacing or losing vaccination records can happen, and if you can’t find your personal or doctor’s records, your child may need to receive some vaccines again. While not ideal, it’s safe to repeat vaccines. Sometimes, a doctor can perform blood tests to check for immunity to certain diseases. If you don’t have a written record of your child’s vaccines, your doctor can assist by retrieving records from previous healthcare providers.

For new families that have moved to the U.S., the vaccinations they received from their previous home are usually accepted as long as they meet the U.S. schedule. Countries like Mexico, Canada, and many in Central and South America follow similar vaccination guidelines, so the records from those countries are generally accepted. However, ensure you have full documentation of the dates the vaccines were given.

Vaccination Exemptions

Some exemptions from state or local vaccination requirements may apply to certain children. All states and the District of Columbia allow medical exemptions for children with conditions that prevent them from receiving vaccines. Most states also offer nonmedical exemptions for religious or philosophical reasons, except for three states.

To obtain an exemption, you must provide the appropriate form to the school, which will be kept in your child’s permanent record. If you choose not to vaccinate your child, pediatricians will continue to discuss the benefits and risks at each visit, especially if your child’s health changes.

Medical exemptions from vaccinations are generally uncommon but may be necessary in certain situations. For example, a medical exemption might be required if a child experiences a severe, life-threatening reaction to a vaccine or is undergoing medical treatments like chemotherapy. Your doctor can provide the appropriate documentation to obtain the exemption in these cases.

Starting the School Year Right

While a new backpack and pencils are important for the school year, preparing for school registration and ensuring your child’s vaccinations are up-to-date is equally essential. Consult your doctor if you’re unsure about your child’s vaccination status. They can guide on what vaccinations are needed and address any concerns about exemptions. Your child’s health should be a top priority for their well-being and the safety of those around them. Before sending them off to school, ensure they are healthy so they can enjoy a new year of wonder and learning.

Sources

CDC: Staying Up to Date with Your Vaccine Records

CDC: What is an Exemption and What Does it Mean?

CDC: Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule for ages 18 years or younger; 2024 U.S.

As the new school year approaches, parents everywhere are busy with preparations. There’s a lot to do, from buying school supplies to updating wardrobes. However, one crucial task should never be overlooked amidst the hustle and bustle: back-to-school vaccinations.

Vaccinations are a cornerstone of public health and vital to keeping our children healthy. Here’s why ensuring your child is up-to-date on their vaccines before the school year begins is essential.

Protecting Against Serious Diseases

Vaccinations protect children from a variety of serious and potentially life-threatening diseases, including measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and whooping cough. Though rare due to widespread vaccination efforts, these diseases can still pose significant risks if an outbreak occurs. By vaccinating your child, you are safeguarding them against these illnesses and contributing to the community’s overall health.

Creating a Safe School Environment

Schools are environments where children are in close contact with one another, making it easy for contagious diseases to spread. When a high percentage of students are vaccinated, it creates a protective barrier known as herd immunity. This protects vaccinated children and those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons. Herd immunity helps prevent outbreaks and keeps the entire school community safer.

Meeting School Requirements

Most schools have vaccination requirements that must be met for children to attend. These requirements are in place to ensure a healthy learning environment for all students. By keeping your child’s vaccinations up-to-date, you’re complying with school policies and helping to maintain a healthy school community. Check with your child’s school to understand their specific vaccination requirements.

Preventing the Spread of Disease

Vaccines are not just about individual protection; they also help prevent the spread of diseases to others. This is particularly important for protecting vulnerable populations, such as infants too young to be fully vaccinated and individuals with weakened immune systems. By vaccinating your child, you’re playing a crucial role in reducing the transmission of preventable diseases.

Long-Term Health Benefits

Vaccinations provide long-term health benefits that extend well beyond childhood. Diseases that vaccines protect against can have serious complications, including chronic illnesses and disabilities. By vaccinating your child, you are reducing their risk of experiencing these complications and supporting their overall long-term health.

Expert Recommendations

Health experts and organizations worldwide, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), strongly recommend vaccinations as an effective way to prevent disease. These recommendations are based on extensive research and evidence demonstrating the safety and efficacy of vaccines.

As you prepare for the upcoming school year, ensure vaccinations are at the top of your checklist. By providing your child is up-to-date on their vaccinations, you’re protecting their health and contributing to a safer, healthier community. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider today, or be on the lookout for a Health Hero clinic at your child’s school and prioritize back-to-school vaccinations. Your child’s health — and those around them — depends on it.