MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – Casey L. Daniel, PhD, MPH, chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at the University of South Alabama, talks about the importance of getting vaccinated for the back to school season.
Most schools require students to be vaccinated to prevent the spread of disease and ensure a safe learning environment for children and young people. Vaccines are one of the most cost-effective health tools parents can have to keep their children safe and healthy. Amid the chaos of back-to-school time, it's important parents keep their children's vaccinations at the top of their to-do list.
Talking with your child's health care provider is the best way for parents to find out what vaccines are needed before returning to school. However, some vaccines require multiple doses and appointment times may be limited, so we recommend talking with your child's health care provider before the school year begins.
For school-mandated vaccinations, parents will provide their child's school with an Alabama Immunization Certificate, also known as a “blue slip” or “blue card.” Health care providers will give the certificate to parents at their child's vaccination appointment.
Although it is not mandatory, children of all ages are encouraged to get the flu vaccine and the COVID vaccine to protect against seasonal viruses.
For middle school-aged children, the meningitis vaccine and the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine are very important. The HPV vaccine is a two-dose series if started by age 15, and children can be vaccinated as early as age 9. Ages 9 to 12 are the ideal time to receive the HPV vaccine.
“The HPV vaccine actually prevents cancer,” said Casey Daniel, PhD, MPH, chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at the University of South Alabama and associate professor of family medicine in the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine. “The vaccine protects against HPV types that can cause six types of cancer seen later in life in men and women. Getting the vaccine at a young age provides the greatest protection for the rest of your life.”
For age-specific vaccination schedules, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. For more information about HPV, see united states of america.
Copyright 2024 WALA. All rights reserved.