Add Immunisation To Your Back-To-School List

As the new school session approaches, parents and guardians are gearing up to make sure their kids are ready to hit the books once again. And while backpacks, notebooks, and pencils are important, there's another item that should be on every parent's back-to-school list: immunization.

Immunization is a critical component of ensuring that children stay healthy and safe as they head back to school. Here are some reasons why adding immunization to your back-to-school list is so important: 

• Protection from serious illnesses: Immunisation protects children from a range of serious illnesses, such as measles, mumps, rubella, and whooping cough. These illnesses can be very dangerous, and in some cases, even life-threatening.
• Preventing outbreaks: When a large number of people in a community are immunized against a particular illness, it's much harder for that illness to spread. By ensuring that your child is immunized, you're not only protecting them but also helping to prevent outbreaks in your community.
• School requirements: Many schools require proof of immunization before allowing children to attend. If your child isn't up-to-date on their immunizations, they may be barred from attending school until they receive them.
• Convenience: Getting your child immunized before the school year starts can be a convenient way to check one more thing off your back-to-school list. It's one less thing you'll have to worry about as the school year gets underway.

So, what immunizations should your child get before heading back to school? The specific requirements may vary depending on your child's age and where you live, but some common immunizations that are recommended for school-aged children include:

• Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
• Varicella (chickenpox)
• Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)
• Hepatitis A and B
• Meningococcal disease

It's important to note that some immunizations require multiple doses, so it's best to start the process early to ensure that your child is fully protected before the school session begins.

In conclusion, adding immunization to your back-to-school list is a smart move that can help keep your child healthy and safe as they head back to the classroom. Talk to your doctor or a local health department to find out which immunizations your child needs and when they should receive them. With a little planning and preparation, you can ensure that your child is ready for a successful and healthy school year.