Vaccines interact with our immune system and help produce an immune response that is similar to that produced by a natural infection. The good news, is we do not have to have the disease or the complications from the disease.
Some diseases have been eradicated by years of successful immunization practices. Vaccine-preventable disease rates are at their lowest level ever. We have guidelines from CDC and the ACIP to direct which vaccines are needed through case reports of numbers of specific diseases. That being said, childhood immunization rates are still suboptimal.
Many states have programs such as “Done by One” to focus on getting children immunized by the time they are one through specific schedules. Each country also has specific requirements.
It is important to see your Physician or local Public Health Office for the most current requirements, and administration. Always take your child’s immunization record to any Doctor appointments.
New for the 2009-2010 school year is as follows:
Tdap is required for entry in grades 7-9, if at least 5 years since the last tetanus-containing vaccine. It is encouraged for grades 10-12, if at least 5 years since the last tetanus-containing vaccine.
First graders need 2 Varicella (chicken pox) immunizations to enter first grade.
Our theme is
1,2 Are their shots due?
3,4 How many more?
5,6 Diseases erased!
7,8 VACCINATE!!!
Submitted by Gayla Jaquess RN
