Immunizations essential for children’s school safety

Maj. Kyndra Jackson
U.S. Army Public Health Command

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — For many, the month of August symbolizes the end of summer and the start of a new school year for most of the nation’s children.

Parents, eager to ensure their child has a safe and successful school year, scramble to fulfill school supply lists and face long lines at the mall to purchase new school clothes.

Immunizations, however, are also a vital piece to children’s safety and protection at school.

One might think, “How are immunizations important in keeping a child safe?” Immunizations, also called vaccines or shots, help protect individuals from serious diseases.

Immunizations can prevent infectious diseases like measles, diphtheria and rubella. People in the U.S. still die from these and other vaccine-preventable diseases. It’s extremely important to know which shots your child and you need, and when to get them.

This is why August is recognized as National Immunization Awareness Month. It is the time to encourage family, friends and co-workers to protect their health by getting caught up on their shots. Most immunizations work best when they are given at certain ages. Here are some general guidelines:

Young children

Children under age 6 get a series of immunizations that protect against a variety of diseases such as measles, pneumonia, polio, chickenpox and hepatitis. Visit your health care provider to get a complete list of all recommended vaccines for children under age 6.

Preteens and teens

All 11- and 12-year-olds need immunizations to protect against tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough and meningitis. Doctors recommend girls and boys get the human papillomavirus, or HPV, vaccine to protect against HPV-related diseases.

Adults

Immunizations aren’t just for babies and children. Adults also need immunizations to protect against serious diseases and illness. Everyone over 6 months old needs a seasonal flu shot every year.

Besides the flu shot, adults need to be aware of other recommended immunizations. A one-dose shingles vaccine is recommended for adults age 60 and older. Adults should get a tetanus shot every 10 years. Adults should also talk to their health provider about the pneumonia or pneumococcal vaccine.

Pneumonia is still a major cause of illness and death in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that pneumonia caused 43,500 cases and 5,000 deaths among persons of all ages in 2009. Adults ages 19-64 with certain medical conditions, those who smoke cigarettes or adults with asthma should get the vaccine. Adults 65 years and older should get the one-time shot. Research shows that these groups of adults are at a higher risk of getting pneumonia.

Immunizations apply to all individuals — from infants to seniors. When people remain timely with their shots, it not only protects the individual and family, it also protects the community as a whole.

Talk to your doctor or nurse to find out which immunizations you need. For more information, visit your local military treatment facility or community health department. The Internet also provides a lot of information about immunizations.

Immunization Information

To learn more about immunizations, visit:
•Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Vaccines and Immunizations at www.cdc.gov/vaccines, and
•2012 Immunization Schedules at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/index.html.

Hawaii School Flu Vaccination Dates

Mokapu Elementary
Oct. 16, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Barbers Point Elementary
Oct. 19, 8-11 a.m.

Pearl Harbor Kai Elementary
Oct. 26, 8-11 a.m.

Kailua Intermediate
Oct. 30, 8 a.m.-noon

Solomon Elementary
Nov. 1, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Hickam Elementary
Nov. 8, 8:30-11:45 a.m.

Moanalua Middle
Nov. 9, 8:15-11:15 a.m.

Wheeler Elementary
Nov. 14, 8:15-11 a.m.

Iroquois Elementary
Nov. 15, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Mokulele Elementary
Nov. 15, 8:15-11:15 a.m.

Shafter Elementary
Nov. 16, 8-11 a.m.

Hale Kula Elementary
Nov. 27, 8 a.m.-noon

Navy Hale Keiki School
Nov. 29, 8:30-10:30 a.m.

 

Tags: education, families, health, schools

Category: Army News Service, Community, Education, Health