New immunization guidelines in effect this school year
By Marcy Emmons, P.A.-C, Family Practice Clinic
As back-to-school season approaches, along with those new school supplies, shoes and haircuts, make sure your child has his or her necessary immunizations. School-age children must receive certain vaccines before admission to school– but more importantly, staying up-to-date on necessary immunizations is a matter of good preventive health.
If your child has had an annual doctor’s visit in the last year, chances are they’re current on any immunizations required for school admission. Your doctor can provide you a copy of your child’s immunization record for your school’s files.
From birth to age 6, children receive regular vaccinations at each pediatrician’s visit. After age 6, it’s still important to see the pediatrician regularly for a well-child visit. Additional vaccinations are given at specific intervals between ages 7 and 18, including catch-up immunizations for children who may have missed a routine immunization at an earlier age, and vaccinations for children who are at an increased risk for certain diseases or conditions.
And, even if your child has had the needed immunizations, this time of year is fitting for a well-child visit, if you haven’t already scheduled one for the year. An annual well-visit provides an opportunity for you and your pediatrician to discuss your child’s growth, nutrition, sleep, safety, illnesses that are circulating, developmental milestones, as well as any questions you may have.
Updated Immunization (or Vaccination) Guidelines
Earlier this year, the Centers for Disease Control updated the list of recommended childhood vaccinations. The guidelines, approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics, went into effect July 1, 2010 and include the following changes:
- Yearly influenza vaccination for everyone over 6 months of age. (The fall 2010 influenza vaccine will contain the pN1 antigen.)
The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which guards against genital warts, is now offered to boys. Previously recommended only for girls, the vaccine is offered in a three-dose series to males ages 9 through 18.
The addition of a booster for the bacterial meningitis vaccine (MCV4), at age 11 or 12, or age 13 through 18 if not previously vaccinated. Children at high risk – i.e., those with weakened immune systems or other health conditions – should be vaccinated earlier, between ages 2 and 10.
The Importance of Vaccinations
Recent research indicates that resurgences of certain illnesses are often due to parents’ reluctance to vaccinate their children. A 2010 study by the Kaiser Permanent Institute for Health Research of 90,000 children enrolled in a Colorado health plan found that children were nine times as likely to get chickenpox when their parents decided not to have them vaccinated.
Results from the CDC’s National Immunization Survey, released in May 2010, showed that 39 percent of parents refused or delayed giving at least one routine vaccine to their children in 2008, up from 22 percent in 2003. Reasons included: too many shots are recommended (27 percent), doubts about vaccine effectiveness (26 percent), worries about autism (25 percent), and worries about side effects (24 percent). Despite this increase in non-vaccination rates, 76 percent of children do receive necessary vaccinations, the study found.
Unsure if your child is up to date or needs a vaccine that is recommended, but not required? Visit www.unioncountyhospital.com, click on the Health Resources link and see the Interactive Quiz section to take a test on Infant, Teen or Adult Immunization; or the Childhood or Teen Health Quizzes. Or, schedule a well-child visit with your pediatrician today for a check-up and discussion of your child’s individual needs. Marcy Emmons is a Physicians Assistant with the Family Practice Clinic in Anna. For questions or to schedule an appointment, call 618-833-2872.