School doors open soon, and concerned parents should be aware of vaccinations required to protect their children. A vaccination schedule begins long before a child is ready for school — as early as the newborn stage of life.
“Newborns do not have mature immune systems, and they’re particularly susceptible to certain infections under 3 months of age,” said Matthew Penson, M.D., a pediatrician at Children’s Medical Association in Coral Springs. “During this period, they receive partial immunoglobulin immunity via breast milk, yet it’s advisable not to take a newborn into a crowded environment.”
According to Dr. Penson, appropriate immunizations are a vital component of preventive care and one of the most rewarding aspects of being a pediatrician. “We lay the groundwork to protect a child’s health in the earliest stages, so once they do begin school they’re properly immunized against infections,” he said.
Getting Ready for School
Learning and socializing enhance growth, but this can only be accomplished in a classroom free of illness. Parents need to check off all the boxes regarding their child’s health and schedule an appointment with a pediatrician to ensure that all required vaccinations have been received.
Because influenza viruses constantly change, and the body’s immune system becomes weaker with age, flu vaccinations are a necessity. “As children prepare for kindergarten, booster shots are required between the ages of 4 and 5 to strengthen their immune response,” Penson said. “The flu remains a leading cause of pediatric morbidity and hospitalization, and it’s highly contagious in a day-care or school setting. We recommend starting at 6 months with yearly repeat vaccinations in the fall, no later than October.”
For older children, tetanus, meningococcal meningitis, and HPV vaccines are recommended beginning at the age of 11 and up. Parents should discuss all recommended vaccines with a pediatrician and understand their importance, risks, and benefits. Pediatricians at the Children’s Medical Association care for children and young adult patients up to the age of 21.
Importance of Vaccinations
Vaccinations provide immunity before a child is exposed to other diseases. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommend a vaccination schedule as early as 2 months to guard against pertussis (whooping cough), pneumococcus (meningitis/bacteremia), polio, rotavirus, and Hemophilus influenza B (epiglottis, meningitis).
“Several boosters are required to ‘train’ the immune system to recognize and combat those potentially serious illnesses,” said Penson. He says boosters are required at 4 and 6 months, and when children are a year old, the finishing boosters are given.
The varicella vaccine guards against chickenpox, a contagious illness that can include blisters, fatigue, and fever. It can be even life-threatening, especially in babies and older adults who have weakened immune systems. To protect against this illness, the varicella vaccine is used (two doses, at 12 to 15 months and 4 to 5 years of age).
Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) are also highly contagious. Measles is caused by a virus forming in the mucus glands of the nose and throat. It may cause a high fever, rash, runny nose, and red eyes. In some cases, diarrhea and ear infections are also possible. Very severe cases may lead to pneumonia and even brain damage. Mumps is a virus that spreads via coughing and sneezing. Its warning signs include fever, headache, muscle ache, fatigue, and loss of appetite. The MMR vaccine is given at 12 to 15 months and 4 to 5 years. During the first year, the hepatitis B vaccination is given to provide lifelong immunity.
The COVID Factor
A decrease in COVID-19 infections is heartening, but stressing the value of vaccinations to eligible ages continues to be important. “As children return to school, we expect to see a rise in both typical childhood illness and COVID-19 infections,” commented Penson. “Severe COVID cases among children are relatively rare (compared to the elderly), but it’s important that pediatricians remain vigilant.”
According to Penson, parents should expect to see a rising number of upper-respiratory infections, influenza, and strep pharyngitis. Differentiating common illnesses from COVID is difficult, and if parents have questions, they are encouraged to call a pediatrician immediately.
Traveling
With the return of increased domestic and international travel, proper immunizations are vital. Most destinations do not require more vaccines than typically given by a pediatrician, but there are certain locations that have more complex requirements. The travel vaccinations can be accessed by going to the Center for Disease Control’s travel website, or you can inquire about them with your pediatrician. Infants 6 through 11 should have one dose of MMR prior to traveling abroad. Some locations recommend the hepatitis A vaccine, others require malaria medication (prophylaxis), and others recommend the meningococcal vaccine.