Everything You Need To Know About Back-To-School Vaccinations

It’s that time of year again. School is starting to get back in session for students all over the metro (it’s already begun for OKCPS). And with the return to class comes the call by state health officials for recommended vaccinations.

Monday, August 10th 2015, 3:01 pm

By: News 9


It’s that time of year again. School is starting to get back in session for students all over the metro (it’s already begun for OKCPS). And with the return to class comes the call by state health officials for recommended vaccinations.

Officials with the Oklahoma Department of Health stress the importance of vaccines for students of all ages because schools and daycare facilities are at a higher risk for disease outbreaks.   

In addition to the basics of avoiding the transmission of diseases, washing of the hands, covering your mouth when you cough etc., proper vaccination is key. It’s even required for some grade levels in Oklahoma.

Here’s what you need to know about getting your children ready.

Outbreaks still happen. And back before vaccinations, they were much more common. Polio, diphtheria, measles, mumps, you name it, they are all considered rare now thanks to vaccines. Vaccination of school-aged children is the best way to make sure they stay that way.

Some children cannot get all of the vaccinations due to health reasons. That makes it all the more important for those that can to get their vaccinations to lower the risk of being exposed to harmful diseases.

Learn more about diseases that can be prevented by vaccines.

Vaccine requirements aim to protect the community through immunization. Because contagious diseases spread among susceptible people, vaccination reduces the chance of infection and outbreaks in schools and communities by reducing the number of unprotected people. Oklahoma has some requirements in place for that very reason.

There is a program available the offers vaccines at no cost to children who could miss out of their vaccinations due to financial constraints on the parent or guardian. The program easily enough is called Vaccines For Children.

More than 800 clinics and doctor’s offices across the state participate in the program. To find a clinic or doctor near you that participates in the VFC program call your local county health department and ask for your Immunization Field Consultant.**

How to find a copy of your child’s immunization record.

More vaccine resources for parents.

-----

**Information obtained from www.ok.gov , www.cdc.gov , www.nvic.org and the Associated Press

logo

Get The Daily Update!

Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News 9 delivered right to your inbox!

More Like This

August 10th, 2015

March 22nd, 2024

March 14th, 2024

February 9th, 2024

Top Headlines

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024