Vaccines Are Still Important

Kids First Vaccines

With the recent pandemic, our focus has been on how to keep our families safe from COVID-19. While this is extremely important the Kids First Pediatrics team wants to remind you that annual vaccines are also important, especially if your children are headed back to school in any capacity.

Before sending your kids back to school, it is essential to check your children’s immunization records and get all the necessary vaccines. All children up to the age of 18 need vaccines. In the state of North Carolina, schools are required to check immunization records of all students before allowing children to attend. Records are checked before kindergarten and 7th grade, as well as the start of college.

What Vaccines Should My Child Receive?

Consult the vaccination schedule, which is recommended by the CDC. Vaccines can prevent serious and life-threatening diseases. Some of the vaccines that are necessary for children starting up a new year at school are required at age 2, 4, 5, 11-12, and 16. However, check the schedule for the exact immunizations required and to make sure that your child is caught up on everything. Our providers can also help consult on any vaccine schedules.

Why Vaccinate?

Some parents question the purpose of annual vaccines. To ensure your child’s health in school, sports, and activities, it is vital that you stick to the vaccine schedule. It is a common misconception that all the other kids at school are vaccinated. As we have all been reminded in the last few months disease outbreaks, though rare, are still possible.

The measles disease was previously declared eliminated in the United States in 2000. However, since then cases of measles reached a record high in 2014. Cases were reported in 27 states, reaching a total of 668 cases, according to the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD).

To protect the long-term health of your child, get those vaccines! Kids First will not be able to treat your child as medical providers if you are choosing to deny your child the opportunity to be protected from these preventable diseases.

What if My Child Isn’t Up to Date?

If your child is not fully up to date on their vaccination schedule, Kids First Pediatrics can help get your child vaccinated and caught up.

Is it Still Important for Older Kids?

Immunizing older children is exceptionally important. Though immunizations are required less often as a child grows up, there is still a risk of disease. One of the most important times to get immunized is at ages 11-12. The vaccines required for this age period include the Meningococcal conjugate vaccine, the Tdap vaccine, and the HPV vaccine. For some diseases, the protection gained from a vaccine dissipates over time. To prevent whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus, and common causes of meningococcal disease, keep your older children’s immunization schedules up to date as well.

Immunizations at Kids First Pediatrics

Even though your family’s schedule is filling up with the start of the school year, make it your priority to schedule an appointment for back-to-school immunizations. For more information about immunizations or our other pediatric services, contact us today at either our Raleigh Office; 919-250-3478 or at our Clayton Office; 919-267-1499

*This article is informational but is not a substitute for medical attention or information from your provider.