Our school year concludes tomorrow and while I want everyone to enjoy their summer, I also want you to prepare for next year. Here are the required immunizations for the 2013-2014 school year.
Kg-5th Grade
3 Hepatitis B
5 Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP)
4 Polio
2 MMR
2 Varicella (Chicken Pox)
In addition to the requirements, 2 Hepatitis A vaccines are recommended.
6th – 12th Grade
All of the above plus
1 Tetanus & Pertussis Booster (TDaP)
1 Meningitis vaccine (MCV4)
In 11th and 12th grade it is recommended, but not required to receive a meningitis booster vaccine.
You can see all of this information in handy graph form here.
Shingles is a painful, localized rash caused by the varicella zoster virus – the same one which causes chicken pox. Any one who has had chicken pox may develop shingles. A complication of shingles is having nerve pain well after the disease has subsided.
Physicians recently reviewed medical records of patients who had shingles and noted those who were vaccinated had a much lower rate of post-herpatic neuralgia (nerve pain). The review may be read here.
Despite this evidence, shingles vaccination rates remain low. Individuals 60 or older are strongly encouraged to vaccinate against shingles. If you have additional questions consult your physician.
A study conducted by Frank DeStefano, M.D., M.P.H., evaluated the association of autism and the number of vaccines received in the first 2 years of life. He came to the conclusion that autism is not linked to the number of vaccines received in early childhood. I originally heard about the study on NPR. The study can be read here.
I received information this morning that the Kouts Health Care Clinic has 100 free flu shots for children 6 months – 18 years old. For more information contact the clinic at 219-766-3131.
Two doses of varicella (chickenpox) or evidence of immunity will be require for all students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
A booster dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) is recommended for all students in grades 11 & 12.
Two doses of hepatitis A vaccine (Hep A) are recommended for all students entering kindergarten.
The recommended vaccines are not required, but are highly encouraged. If your student will need one of these vaccines for next school year, I highly recommend scheduling an appointment with your pediatrician or local health department sooner rather than later. If you are not sure if your child needs the vaccines, feel free to contact me or your pediatrician.
Influenza is a contagious disease and being vaccinated reduces your chance of catching the disease or spreading it to others.
Reduces my odds? So, I can still it?
That is a possibility. There are many different strains of influenza. The flu vaccine protects against three particular strains for the flu season.
Every time I get the vaccine I get sick anyway.
The vaccine does have side effects, but it cannot cause the disease. It may cause soreness at the site of injection, headache, fatigue, and fever. These effects occur 1-2 days after immunization. Furthermore, the signs and symptoms of the flu are common with other disease. The flu may cause nausea or vomiting. These symptoms are also caused by the unrelated condition gastroenteritis.
Additionally, you should reduce your risk of communicable diseases by washing your hands, sleeping 8 hours each night, exercising most days of the week, and eating a balanced diet.
So, who should be vaccinated?
If you are 6 months old or older, you should receive the flu vaccine. You should especially get it if you are around children younger than 6 months or people with immune compromising diseases or treatments (like those with cancer). you should especially seek out the vaccine if you are 50 or older, have a chronic respiratory condition like asthma, or pregnant.
Kouts School Nurse 