Español de México Summer is a time for fun in the sun, long days at the park, lounging by the kiddie pool, and. . . childhood immunizations. What?! Yes, I said it—immunizations. The school year will be here in a blink so it’s never too soon or start planning for immunizations or alternative immunization options. This is especially true if your child is will be enrolled in formal child care or the public school system. Although some parents may choose not to vaccinate their children, it is important to recognize the overwhelming health benefits of immunizations. Below is a link to an article published by heathlychildren.org, an American Academy of Pediatrics sponsored program, listing vital reasons to immunize children against preventable diseases.
A first step is to discuss immunizations with your child’s pediatrician or family physician. Ask questions about the necessity of an immunization, common side effects, how many doses, are there any drug interactions, etc. Empowering yourself with more research-based information will help you feel confident about immunizations.
Second, make sure to consult your childcare provider or local school district’s policy regarding immunizations and school exclusion. They may have a policy written about required immunizations for children enrolling children in their program. Below is the link to Marion County School Law Resources. This link lists required immunizations according to grade and also a form to complete if you decide to not immunize (e.g., How to Claim a Non-Medical Exemption). The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has many online resources with vital information on timelines for recommended immunizations. These timelines are helpful to keep you on track so that your child won’t miss a dose step in a vaccination series. It’s good to rely on a timeline you can follow at home and be proactive in your role as a parent. There is even a helpful website where you can type in your child’s birthday and it will automatically track the dates of vaccines to be expected according to age.
Click on the link to create an immunization chart using the
Center for Disease Control and Prevention:
http://www2a.cdc.gov/nip/kidstuff/newscheduler_le/
Do you have any tips to help smooth the transition of immunizations for your child? We’d love to hear them! Please send all comments and feedback to: parentinghub@earlylearninghub.org.
Other Resources:
Why Immunize Your Child
Vaccines & Immunizations
https://public.health.oregon.gov/PreventionWellness/VaccinesImmunization/Pages/index.aspx
SK School District Immunization
http://www.salkeiz.k12.or.us/content/immunization-requirements
Marion County School Law Resources
http://www.co.marion.or.us/HLT/PH/Immunizations/schoollawresources.htm
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
