Preparing for the new school year doesn’t have to start a week or two before your kids return to school. There is a back-to-school checklist for every age group and it includes vaccinations.
Why Vaccinations Are Important for School-Aged Children
Texas schools require children to be vaccinated before getting back in the classroom. “Vaccination is the most effective strategy available to prevent infections, which is why we don’t see as many people infected with measles, mumps, rubella and pertussis today in the United States,” said Dr. Jason Bowling, director of hospital epidemiology for University Health.
If a large percentage of the population is vaccinated, it limits the spread of infection by making it difficult to continue the chain of person-to-person transmission. This can also help protect those people who are unable to get vaccinated or respond negatively to the vaccine due to health problems. This is called “herd immunity” and is important to limit outbreaks of infection.
Vaccines are Safe
Many parents have concerns about vaccines, which is why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a website that examines vaccine safety. You can also find peer-reviewed studies and research into reactions and safety for all vaccines, including the MMR (mumps, measles and rubella) vaccine and the DTaP/Tdap vaccines.
If you are below the age of 18 and want to be vaccinated without parental permission, you should refer to the laws of your state. Some states permit a minor to be vaccinated with the permission of an adult who is a family member but not a parent. The Texas Medical Association explains the requirements in Texas.
Recommended Immunization Schedule
A number of shots are recommended throughout childhood and adolescence. According to the CDC, several vaccines scheduled between birth and 18 months rely on a tight timeline for maximum effectiveness.
“When you miss an appointment for a scheduled shot, it could put your child at risk for a number of preventable childhood diseases,” says Dr. Elise Kibler, a pediatrician with University Health. Diseases like the ones listed below.
Measles
Measles starts with fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes and sore throat. It’s followed by a rash that spreads over the body. Measles is highly contagious and spreads through coughing and sneezing.
One infected person can infect 9 out of 10 non-vaccinated people. The measles virus can live for up to two hours in the air and on surfaces after an infected person leaves.
According to the World Health Organization, the measles vaccine saved more than 60 million lives between the years 2000 and 2023.
Mumps
Mumps starts with fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness and loss of appetite. Then most people will have swelling of their salivary glands. This is what causes the puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw.
Mumps outbreaks still occur, especially at schools, colleges and camps.
Rubella
Rubella (German measles) includes a low-grade fever, sore throat and a measles-like rash that starts on the face, spreading to the rest of the body. Some people may also have a headache, pink eye and general discomfort before the rash appears. Rubella can cause a miscarriage or serious birth defects in an unborn baby.
The CDC adds that the last major outbreak of rubella in the United States was in 1964-65. Rubella has been considered eradicated in the United States since 2004. But unvaccinated travelers may bring rubella – or measles or the mumps – home with them from countries where the diseases still persist.
Whooping Cough
Pertussis (whooping cough) starts with cold-like symptoms, including a low-grade fever, runny nose and a mild, occasional cough. After one to two weeks, the traditional cough with a “whoop” appears. Patients may be exhausted or vomit after prolonged coughing spells. The disease can last for up to 10 weeks. Pertussis is very contagious.
Whooping cough occurs more frequently in the United States; it is especially dangerous to babies. This is why the CDC recommends pregnant patients should receive a Tdap dose between 27-36 weeks’ gestation. This will pass antibodies to the infant and offer some protection after birth.
Staying on Schedule With Vaccinations
Sometimes life gets in the way, and it may have slipped your mind to schedule your child’s pediatrician visit. Particularly for infants and toddlers, keeping up with their well-child visits can help you stay on track with their vaccination schedules.
The CDC also provides easy-to-read charts that cover what's required from birth to 6 years old and 7 to 18 years old.
Children’s Primary Care at University Health
You can get all the preventive care your child needs, including their regular shots, at University Health. We provide primary care for children at clinics across San Antonio and at our community health centers.
Find a pediatric primary care provider that fits your child’s needs.
