Back to School Vaccine Safety

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Back to School Vaccine Safety

To ensure your child is well prepared for the new school year, schedule a well-child visit with your family physician. It’s a perfect time to address important health issues that may impact your child’s school year, including age-appropriate vaccines.

08/23/2019

Vaccines are the best defense against contagious diseases, such as the flu, measles and pneumonia. They also help prevent the spread of harmful viral or bacterial organisms to ensure a healthy work and home environment. In addition to EmblemHealth’s Preventive Health Guidelines, use the below information when speaking with your doctor to make sure your, or your family’s shots are current.

 

Infants and Children
Child care settings are highly susceptible to outbreaks of infectious diseases. When babies or toddlers are not vaccinated, they are at an increased risk for disease and can spread the virus or bacteria to others in their play group or child care center. Learn more from the CDC on when to schedule your baby’s vaccines and various preventable diseases.

 

Preteens & Teens
In certain states, including New York, children, preteens and teens are required to have specific vaccinations for school. Children can easily transmit illnesses to one another due to uncovered coughs, close proximity to classmates and poor hand washing. When children are not vaccinated, they are more susceptible to disease and can spread the virus or bacteria to others in their classroom or community. Similar to infants, certain shots are recommended at specific ages — see the CDC’s PDF on when to schedule your child’s vaccines.

 

New York State recently updated its immunization requirements for school entrance and attendance. To learn more visit; health.ny.gov.

 

All adults should also receive vaccines to protect their health. Read the CDC’s, Recommended Immunizations for Adults: By Age and Health Condition to learn more on specific vaccine details and when to schedule.