Whether your back-to-school shopping list includes crayons or a mini fridge, one of the best ways to protect your child’s health is to make sure their immunizations are up to date.
Healthier Kids
“Kids who are vaccinated in childhood tend to be healthier,” says Elizabeth McKenna, MD, a family medicine physician from Plumsteadville Family Practice.
Vaccinations help provide immunity before children are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Each vaccine challenges the immune system a little bit, which makes it stronger. Your child may still get sick with typical childhood colds and illnesses but will be protected against serious infections, and, overall, vaccines can reduce the amount or severity of other infections such as ear infections and pneumonia,” says Dr. McKenna.
Required Versus Recommended Immunizations
The Pennsylvania Department of Health establishes a schedule of required, medically appropriate vaccines for children from kindergarten through grade 12.
In addition, there are vaccines that are highly recommended but not required. For example, beginning at age 10, your child is eligible for the vaccine for the human papilloma virus (HPV). The vaccine helps to prevent cervical and other types of cancer, according to Dr. McKenna.
“Your child’s primary care provider can offer guidance and help you determine what is best for your child’s individual needs,” says Dr. McKenna. “In my practice, I inform the parent when their child reaches the age of eligibility for a vaccine and explain why the shot is beneficial.”
Parents always have lots of questions when a new vaccine comes out. A good example of this is when the COVID-19 shot for children became available, according to Dr. McKenna. In her practice, she provides information and answers any questions about new vaccines. “When parents are uncertain, we discuss the pros and cons. Then, the decision is up to them.”
If Your Child Feels Unwell
If your child is not feeling well on the day they’re supposed to come for shots, you have options. “We typically make the judgment about whether a child is well enough to get shots during their appointment; We can bring them back in a week for their shots,” says Dr. McKenna, noting that parents can contact their child’s primary care provider’s office with any questions, and reschedule, if needed.
About Side Effects
Parents should be aware of the potential side effects of any vaccine. “The immunizations we give at school age typically have very mild side effects such as arm soreness, low-grade fever, achiness, or crankiness. That’s because the children have already had these vaccines when they were younger,” says Dr. McKenna.
Is it Better to Spread Out Vaccines Over Time?
“It is important for parents to understand that the schedule is the way it is for a reason,” says Dr. McKenna.
It is designed to provide protection for your child at just the right time, and, according to the CDC there is no data to support that spacing vaccines offers effective protection from these diseases. “The vaccines we give have been studied and work well together. The timing is based on boosters and is designed to challenge the immune system on a regular basis,” says Dr. McKenna. “For example, children receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine when they are younger and get a booster right before kindergarten. That’s vital because we don’t want them to lose their immunity before they go to school.”
Why Do We Vaccinate Against Diseases No One Gets Anymore?
By continuing to give immunizations, we help prevent those serious infections we have kept at bay for many years, according to Dr. McKenna. “In 24 years of practice, I have never seen measles.” While the disease was considered eliminated in 2000, the United States recorded 1,200 cases of measles in 2019. “This can occur if travelers from outside of the U.S. bring the disease into the country, or if it spreads among pockets of unvaccinated people,” she says.
Chickenpox is another example. The disease is rarely seen today. “If you don’t get the chickenpox vaccine or disease in childhood, you may get it later on,” says Dr. McKenna. “In adults, chickenpox can be serious, and it is very dangerous during pregnancy.”
Planning for College
If you are sending your teen to college, be sure to check with their school. “Each college has its own policy, and every school is slightly different,” says Dr. McKenna, who suggests working with your teen’s doctor on an immunization plan a year before your teen goes to college to make sure you have time to get the shots in.
For example, teens and young adults aged 16 to 23 are at increased risk for meningitis, which is rare but extremely dangerous. There are two vaccines for meningitis, and each protects against different types. Both vaccines require two doses, months apart. “If you wait until the last minute, you may not be able to complete the series in time,” says Dr. McKenna.
Beating the Fear Factor
When it comes to talking to your child about immunizations, Dr. McKenna says honesty is the best policy. She offers the following suggestions.
Explain Why Immunizations Are Important
She suggests keeping it simple. “You can say that shots are a part of growing up and we get them to protect against illnesses. Let your child know they will feel a pinch, but that it won’t last long.”
Tell Your Child the Truth
Consider whether your child needs to know well in advance if they are getting a shot. Or whether they will do best if you tell them closer to their well visit.
Keep it Positive
Parents can feel anxious when their child is getting shots. You can help by being aware of your feelings and remaining positive, because your emotions can feed into what your child is feeling.
Never Connect a Vaccine with a Punishment
It can be tempting to resort to threats when your child is misbehaving, but Dr. McKenna stresses that parents should never connect a vaccine with a punishment.
Rewarding Your Child
“After a well visit, your child may receive a sticker or fancy Band-Aid®, and there’s nothing wrong with rewarding them with ice cream or a fun activity after they get their shots,” says Dr. McKenna.
Of course, the most important reward will be the protection they have against childhood illnesses and a healthier future.
Further Reading
• The Pennsylvania Department of Health offers immunization resources and information about immunizations required for school.
• The Bucks County Health Department provides immunizations for child and adult residents who are uninsured, underinsured, or covered by medical assistance.
• The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia offers information and resources about childhood immunization.
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