Back-to-school Road Map

Back-to-school Road Map

Back-to-school Road MapAs we get ready to send our children back to school this month, we do so with worry.   Keep in mind that your school goal is to bring each child back into the classroom safely.  As parents, we must teach our children to wash their hands often, wear a mask, and talk to us about what they might be afraid of, how they feel about school, friends and health.   

Reach out to your child’s school to ask about safety rules that are in place by the start of school.  Make sure the school will have mask wearing, distancing, and handwashing.  Have a plan in place to make sure your child has a ride to and from school, and a plan B if schools have to close.  Most of all, we want a good in-person school year with learning taking place.

Before we return to school, we must remember to have all necessary shots to enter.  You can take your child to their doctor or attend a health fair that offers free back-to-school shots.  

As we start school this month, here are some needed vaccines for children four through six years of age:

  • Chicken Pox (varicella)-2nd dose
  • Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP)-5th dose
  • Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) – 2nd dose
  • Polio (IPV)-4th dose
  • Flu vaccine every year by the end of October

Children ages seven to ten do not require vaccines, but the flu shot is available.

Preteens ages eleven through twelve

  • Human papillomavirus (HPV)- 2 doses and given at 6 to 12 months apart
  • Meningococcal conjugate- 1st dose
  • Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)- 1st dose
  • Flu vaccine every year by the end of October

Teenagers thirteen to eighteen

  • Meningococcal conjugate- 2nd dose
  • Serogroup B meningococcal- 2 doses
  • Flu vaccine every year by the end of October

Keep up to date with all vaccines even into adulthood.

Remember to stay safe and have a good in-person school year.  

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