Immunization and
School Health
Update
By Youmasu
J. Siewe, Ph.D; MPH
OCES Specialist for Public Health Education
104 HES, Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74078
Relevance of topic to Cooperative Extension Service:
The proximal working relationship
maintained by the extension educator and grassroots clientele makes him/her a
valuable resource for information about immunization. This resource update empowers the educator to educate
clients about immunization in formal settings, or provide answers to questions
that parents may have about immunization requirements in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma Schools, as well as many across the country
require students to be immunized against specific infectious diseases before
being enrolled in school. Immunizations are extremely important in promoting or
enhancing the overall health, growth and development of children. Some communicable or infectious diseases
that were once common and deadly are still around today and can be prevented
through immunization.
2005-2006
Immunization requirements guide in Oklahoma
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 doctorsÕ
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 childrenÕs 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).
Your local health department, doctorÕs office or health center can provide more
information about available immunization and schedules of administration in
your local community or county.
References:
1. State immunization
resource http://www.health.state.ok.us/program/hpromo/news/immunize.html
2. National immunization
resource