Are Child Vaccinations Required in School and How Can My Child Meet the requirements?
Before your child can start school, they will need to get certain immunizations. The reason for these immunizations is to protect your children and others from illnesses that can have serious complications or that can even lead to death, such as polio and measles. When everyone is immunized, it also reduces the risk of those with compromised immune systems who cannot be vaccinated of getting the illness.
Exactly which vaccinations are required to enter school depends on the district, and sometimes, even the school within the district. You should ask your pediatrician to find out the exact immunizations required and the schedule for them. In general, here’s what is going to be required for your children to enter school (as well as preschool or daycare).
Elementary School
The first few years of your child’s life, they will need to get a lot of immunizations. The reason is that these immunizations are given out in several doses, several months or even a year or more apart. The shots are staggered to give the body time to adapt and to build its immunity.
In the early years, you will be visiting the pediatrician often. Your pediatrician will remind you of the immunizations that are needed on each visit – as well as those you’ll need on the following visits. When you get ready to register for daycare, preschool, or kindergarten, your school will also remind you of what immunizations are required.
Typically, the immunizations required to get into kindergarten are:
- Polio DTap – Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough)
- MMR – measles, mumps, and rubella
- Varicella (chicken pox)
If you are looking to enroll in preschool or daycare, the expectation will be that your child has received the number of immunizations up to the schedule for the current age. So, your child may not be fully vaccinated, but so long as they have received the number of doses recommended so far, you should meet the requirements.
Secondary School
Most immunizations are completed by the time children enter kindergarten, but there are a few vaccinations that may need to be administered into secondary school and even college. Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B both have to be administered over time, and that can go into the secondary school years. In addition, a booster shot for DTP has to be given around middle school. Some may also need a booster around college.
Typically, officials are not going to require these immunizations to start middle or high school. However, they will be required to participate in sports or to enter college. Work with your pediatrician to learn about the appropriate schedule for your children – and even yourself. You may find that you need a booster shot of some immunization to participate in sports or as a volunteer.
Also, don’t forget that everyone in the family should get an annual flu shot. You can get the shot starting in September, usually, and it will protect you against the predicted strains of the flu for the coming season. Flu shots are especially important for children since they will be around many other children who are likely sick. If one child gets sick, the illness can quickly spread. Getting a flu shot can not only protect your child from getting sick but can also contribute to keeping the illness in check.
Work closely with your school and your pediatrician to determine the right schedule for immunizations, both those that are required for entering school and those that are recommended for keeping your child and your family healthy. Keep in mind that it takes babies some time to become fully vaccinated and protected against potentially life-threatening illnesses, so it’s a good idea for older family members to get new vaccinations against certain illnesses, such as pertussis (or whooping cough).
The friendly and experienced Bolingbrook pediatricians at A2Z Pediatrics are ready to help you ensure that your child is up-to-date on all immunizations and recommended vaccinations, whether they are for school, sports, or just overall health and wellness. Our board-certified pediatrician can talk you through the vaccine schedule and explain why the immunizations are needed and when. We can also answer any questions you may have about the vaccines used and their safety. Call us today to schedule your immunizations or to meet with a pediatrician about another health concern.
