Immunization and School Health

by Youmasu J. Siewe, Ph.D, MPH.

The following article was published in the Stillwater News Press on July 31, 2002.

School time is just around the corner and parents need to start getting their children ready to begin school. One of the important items for parents to remember is to get their children immunized. Immunizations are extremely important in promoting or enhancing the overall health, growth and development of children. Some communicable diseases that were once common and deadly are still around today and can be prevented through immunization.
Do not take chances! It is important for parents to immunize their children and do it before school starts.

Most schools or school districts around the country have policies that restrict students form enrolling in school unless proof of immunization is presented. Parents who wait too long to immunize their children, might have difficulties getting an appointment at the medical/health clinics and risk being enrolled in school.

What is immunization? This is typically the process of giving weakened bacteria or virus to sensitize the body to develop or improve resistance to a disease for which the immunization is being given. Immunizations are usually given by injections (shots) or by mouth.

What are benefits of immunization? They help control many infectious diseases that were once common, and caused illnesses that killed a lot of people particularly children. Bacteria and viruses that cause preventable disease and deaths still occur today and can be passed on to people who are not protected by immunization or vaccines. It is therefore unwise and risky if children are not immunized at the age-appropriate schedules. When children are not immunized they are likely to become sick, spend a lot of time in doctors’ offices, hospitals or may even die.

Is it important to keep immunization records? Yes, it is extremely important for parents to keep accurate records of their children’s immunizations. School often requires these records as proof that a child has been immunized before being enrolled in school.

It is also important to keep good records because parents become knowledgeable about what immunizations their children have received, what still has to be given and when to give it. Which illnesses are often immunized against? The illnesses include: Diphtheria, Heamophilus, Influenzae, Hepatitis Type A, Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, Rotavirus, Pertussis (Whooping Cough), Pneumococcal Conjugate, Poliomyelitis (Polio), Rubella, Tetanus (Lock Jaw) and Varicella (Chicken Pox).

For more information about the appropriate ages to immunize your child/children against these diseases, contact your local health department, your doctor’s office or health clinic.