Have a child entering school in a few weeks? How about a college Freshman about to leave for fall semester? It’s time to check immunizations off of your to do list this year.
You may be asking “why do we always have to renew our immunizations every year?”
Here’s the number 1 reason why: vaccinations can help protect you or your loved ones from life threatening diseases that can have unfortunate long term effects. Even though we might not ever come into contact with some of these life threatening diseases, we should still take precautions. Here is your guide on reasons why it is important to get your back to school immunizations in 2019.
Schools require updated immunizations
Children are especially more at risk of getting sick because their immune systems are still in development. Schools require updated immunizations for enrollment, sports and yearly check ups to ensure that students are healthy and safe from potential life threatening diseases.
Sports teams require health forms in order for your child to participate. Getting Immunizations and sports physicals helps determine if your child is physically healthy in order to play in certain weather conditions. The main goal is to make sure that they are safe from potential infections and diseases when coming into contact with other teammates from other schools. If your child is away at school, they are more prone to getting sick from irregular sleeping habits, unsanitary living situations and many more infections. Most schools have large populations of students which is a higher risk of your child being exposed to the flu or other diseases. Don’t make that mistake of not getting your student vaccinated before going to school.
If you haven’t updated your immunizations in a while or are unsure what types of vaccinations are needed, here is a recommended child and adolescent immunization schedule that lists types of vaccines and renewals for ages 0-18 years. There you can learn more about the different types of diseases and their vaccines purpose.
Vaccines required for college students
Vaccination requirements often differ from college to college for incoming college Freshman who will be living in the dorms. Don’t know what’s required for your child’s particular school? Look on the college website for Health Services where the requirements will usually be listed. If not contact them directly. They’re always happy to guide you or your student with the necessary info and the paperwork they will need to submit upon arrival. the most common vaccines that are required before enrollment are:
- Meningitis
- Hepatitis B
- Influenza
- Tetanus
- Diphtheria
- Pertussis
Not sure about what vaccinations your child got last? You can always contact your regular doctor for their medical records. You can also view the recommended child and adolescent immunization schedule above so that you can stay on track for their upcoming vaccinations.
Immunizations can help you save time and money
If you or your loved ones have a vaccine-preventable disease they can be kept out of school and or work. This isn’t beneficial for anyone as time away can exhaust sick days at work and can be financially burdening from medical bills. Time lost could be easily prevented if you update your immunizations and stay on track with your local health care physicians.
Don’t forget your health forms !
If your child needs health forms filled out, don’t forget to bring them with you! Come in to AFC Urgent Care West Hartford at 1030 Boulevard, West Hartford, where one of our providers is always available and ready to answer any questions or concerns about renewing immunizations. We are open 7 days a week, 8am-8pm Monday-Friday and also 8am-5pm on the weekends. You can save time by checking in online and we accept most insurances!
