With the new school year back in session and fall right around the corner, Public Health wants to remind parents how important it is for their children to be current on all necessary vaccinations. Vaccines are important not only for those who receive them, but also for the people who are not able to be vaccinated, such as newborns and those with compromised immune systems.
It’s because of vaccinations that we no longer see diseases such as smallpox and diphtheria in the United States, and others such as measles and tetanus are rare. However, some of these diseases are still prevalent in other parts of the world, and because of our very mobile society, the next disease outbreak could be a plane ride away if we do not continue to vaccinate.
“It is important for everyone to get vaccinated. It protects the entire community - particularly those who cannot receive vaccinations, such those with cancer or other auto-immune diseases” said Dr. Olivia Kasirye, Sacramento County Public Health Officer. “Public Health is encouraging everyone to stay up-to-date on vaccinations.”
For children starting Kindergarten, the required and recommended vaccines are:
- IPV (Polio)
- DTaP/DTP/DT (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis - also known as Whooping Cough)
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
- Hepatitis B
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- Hepatitis A: recommended
- Influenza: recommended yearly vaccine
For teens going into seventh grade, the required and recommended vaccines are:
- Tdap booster (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis – also known as Whooping Cough)
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus): recommended
- MCV4 Meningococcal Conjugate (Meningitis): recommended
- Influenza: recommended yearly vaccine
Vaccines aren’t only important for school aged children, protection from some childhood vaccines can wear off over time. People may be at risk for vaccine-preventable disease due to age, job, lifestyle, travel, or health conditions. Some recommended adult vaccines include annual flu vaccine, tetanus and diphtheria booster (Td) every 10 years, and human papillomaviruses (HPV) for adults up to age 26.
For a complete list of CDC recommended vaccines and immunizations schedules visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules.
