As children prepare to head back to school, ensuring they are up to date on their immunizations is a crucial step in safeguarding their health and well-being. Immunizations play a vital role in preventing serious illnesses that can impact children’s lives and the lives of loved ones in our community. In this blog, we will explore key immunizations for school-aged children, including their importance and recommended schedules for the 2024 immunization calendar.
What are Immunizations?
Immunizations, also known as vaccines, are medical interventions designed to provide immunity against specific infectious diseases. They work by introducing a harmless component of a pathogen (such as a virus or bacteria) into the body, prompting the immune system to recognize and remember it. This way, if a child encounters the actual pathogen later, their immune system is prepared to fight it off, reducing the risk of severe illness.
Vaccination not only protects the individual child but also contributes to herd immunity, which protects those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical conditions. This interconnectedness makes immunizations essential for community health.
1. The DTaP Vaccine (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis)
What It Is
The DTaP vaccine protects against three serious diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough).
What is diphtheria?
The dangers associated with diphtheria come from the toxin released by the bacterium, Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The toxin makes it difficult for children to breathe and swallow, but it also attacks the heart, kidneys and nerves.
What is tetanus?
Tetanus is another disease caused by a toxin-releasing bacterium, Clostridium tetani. Unlike most vaccine-preventable diseases, tetanus is not a disease that you catch from someone else. The bacteria live in the soil and usually enter the body following punctures or wounds that are not kept clean or include damaged tissues such as from burns, frostbite, or gangrene. Items likely to be contaminated with the tetanus bacteria include nails or pieces of glass that were lying on the ground.
Given the playful, adventurous, and oftentimes injury-prone nature of children, it’s important to immunize them against tetanus. Hand washing and bathing do little once the bacteria actually get under the skin.
Once under the skin, the bacteria make a toxin that causes muscle spasms. If these spasms affect the throat and jaw (lockjaw), they can interfere with breathing, causing suffocation. The tetanus toxin can also damage the heart.
Because of its presence in the environment and the noninfectious nature of this disease, eradication will not be possible through vaccination. Further, people cannot be protected from this disease because everyone around them has had a vaccine; that is, there is no protection from herd immunity.
What is pertussis?
Pertussis (also known as whooping cough) is one of the most contagious diseases around. Caused by a bacterium (Bordetella pertussis), whooping cough makes children cough uncontrollably. The cough is often so hard and so persistent that children can’t catch their breath and make a “whooping” sound when they attempt to breathe in against a windpipe severely narrowed by mucus. The cough can be so violent that people with pertussis can crack ribs, break blood vessels, or develop hernias. Pneumonia or seizures can also develop. Young infants can also experience bouts of apnea in which they briefly stop breathing.
Pertussis is unusual in that most children catch the disease from adults and not from other children.
Why It Matters
DTaP vaccination is critical because it not only protects children but also helps prevent outbreaks of these diseases in the community. Pertussis, for instance, can be particularly dangerous for infants and young children, making the vaccination of older siblings and peers vital.
Recommended Schedule
The recommended immunization schedule for DTaP includes doses at:
- 2 months
- 4 months
- 6 months
- 15-18 months
- 4-6 years
It’s important to follow this schedule to ensure optimal protection.
2. The MMR Vaccine (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
What It Is
The MMR vaccine is a combination vaccine that protects against measles, mumps, and rubella—three contagious viral diseases. Measles can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). Mumps can cause swelling of the salivary glands and lead to other serious complications, and rubella can be harmful to pregnant women and their unborn children.
Why It Matters
Vaccination against these diseases is crucial in preventing outbreaks. Measles, for example, is highly contagious, and outbreaks can occur in communities with low vaccination rates. The MMR vaccine has been instrumental in reducing the incidence of these diseases.
Recommended Schedule
The MMR vaccine is typically administered at:
- 12-15 months
- 4-6 years
Staying on schedule is essential for maintaining immunity.
3. The Varicella Vaccine (Chickenpox)
What It Is
The varicella vaccine protects against chickenpox, a highly contagious viral infection characterized by an itchy rash and flu-like symptoms. While chickenpox is often mild in children, it can lead to severe complications, including skin infections and pneumonia. About 1 of every 1,000 children infected with varicella will develop severe pneumonia (infection of the lungs) or encephalitis (infection of the brain). In addition, about 1 of every 50 women infected with varicella during their pregnancy will deliver children with birth defects. These birth defects include developmental delay and shortened or atrophied limbs. Finally, a bacterium called Group A streptococcus, commonly known as “flesh-eating” bacteria, can enter through the skin during a varicella infection and cause severe, and sometimes fatal, disease.
Why It Matters
Vaccinating against chickenpox not only protects individual children but also contributes to herd immunity, reducing the likelihood of outbreaks in the community.
Recommended Schedule
The varicella vaccine is recommended at:
- 12-15 months
- 4-6 years
Completing both doses is important for full protection.
4. The HPV Vaccine (Human Papillomavirus)
What It Is
The HPV vaccine protects against human papillomavirus, a virus that can lead to certain cancers, including cervical cancer, as well as other genital cancers and oropharyngeal cancers.
Why It Matters
HPV vaccination is essential in preventing these cancers, particularly since HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States and in the world. Twenty million Americans are currently infected with HPV and about 13 million Americans are infected every year. Half of those newly infected with HPV are between 15 and 24 years of age.
Early vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of developing HPV-related cancers later in life.
Recommended Schedule
The HPV vaccine is recommended for preteens at:
- 11-12 years (2 doses)
- If starting after age 15, 3 doses are recommended
It’s best to get vaccinated before the age of 13 to have the best level of protection.
5. The Influenza Vaccine (Flu)
What It Is
The influenza vaccine protects against the flu, a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Flu can lead to severe illness, hospitalization, and even death, particularly in young children.
Why It Matters
Annual flu vaccination is crucial because the flu virus changes from year to year. Vaccination not only protects children but also helps prevent the spread of the virus in the community, especially among vulnerable populations.
Recommended Schedule
The flu vaccine is recommended annually for everyone aged 6 months and older, with special considerations for timing during flu season (usually starting in the fall).
The Importance of Keeping Children Up to Date on Immunizations
Staying current on immunizations is vital for several reasons:
- Prevention of Disease: Vaccines prevent the occurrence of potentially life-threatening diseases.
- Community Immunity: High vaccination rates help protect those who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants and individuals with certain health conditions.
- Reduced Healthcare Costs: Preventing diseases through vaccination reduces the need for intensive medical treatment and associated healthcare costs.
- School and Community Requirements: Many schools require certain immunizations for enrollment, ensuring a healthier environment for all students.
The Role of Vaccines in Maintaining Community Health
Vaccines are a cornerstone of public health. By immunizing children, we reduce the likelihood of outbreaks that can spread rapidly in schools and communities. Vaccines protect not only the vaccinated individuals but also help create a healthier environment for everyone. This is particularly important for those who are more vulnerable, including infants, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
In recent years, we have seen the impact of declining vaccination rates, with outbreaks of diseases like measles becoming more common. By ensuring children are up to date on their immunizations, we contribute to a robust public health system and protect future generations.
Book an Immunization Appointment with COPA
At COPA, we understand the importance of immunizations for your child’s health. Our team of pediatric professionals is here to provide you with the information and services you need to keep your child up to date on their vaccinations. We offer flexible scheduling options to make it convenient for families to get their immunizations done.
Contact us today to book your child’s immunization appointment and take an important step toward protecting their health and the health of our community.