Kids Need to Stay Healthy Throughout the Year
As students go back to school, it’s important that they are up to date on their immunizations to protect them from diseases and to help keep them healthy. It’s also important to follow good hygiene practices.
What vaccinations does my child require? *
- Ages 4-6: DTap (which is diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis [whooping cough] booster), polio and 2nd doses of MMRV or measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox).
- Prior to entering 7th grade or for ages 11-12: Tdap (tetanus booster, diptheria and pertussis) and first dose of meningitis vaccination (MenACWY).
- Age 9 and older: HPV vaccination (Gardisil) to help prevent a leading cause of cervical cancer.
- Ages 11-16: Second dose of meningitis (MenACWY); and first dose of a second meningitis vaccine (MenB) at age 16.
- Annual flu vaccinations.
Does insurance cover vaccinations?
Most insurances cover scheduled vaccinations. If you don’t have health insurance, or if it does not cover vaccines, there are programs that may offer financial help.
What are some good ways to keep germs away in the classroom?
- Handwashing: Proper handwashing can lower the risk of spreading diseases. Schools can set routines or scheduled opportunities for handwashing throughout the day. If soap and water are not available, hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol can be provided.
- Respiratory Etiquette: Cover the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and throwing the used tissue in the trash after use. This might require locating tissues in areas convenient for easy student access. If a tissue is not available, students should sneeze into the elbow, not the hands. Handwashing should be performed immediately after blowing the nose, coughing or sneezing.
To make an appointment with one of the pediatricians at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, contact our free physician referral service at 580-599-6391.
*Centers for Disease Control and Prevention