As students throughout Greater Cincinnati head back to school this month, three local health departments are reminding families about the importance of routine childhood immunizations.
Leaders at Hamilton County Public Health, Cincinnati Health Department and Northern Kentucky Health Department say ensuring that your children are fully vaccinated as the academic year kicks off can prevent severe disease throughout the region while following state regulations.
“This is an important time for regional student health,” says Dr. Stephen Feagins, medical director for Hamilton County Public Health. “With students packing the classrooms and gathering across communities for sports and clubs, it’s crucial to guard against viruses and germs that can spread easily and cause severe disease or even death. Up-to-date childhood immunizations help keep students healthy as well as keep them in the classroom, fully focused on their education.”
For most school-age children, Ohio’s and Kentucky’s state health departments typically require up-to-date childhood immunizations for pertussis (whooping cough), polio, hepatitis, measles, diphtheria, tetanus, meningococcal, mumps, rubella and varicella. The requirements may vary on age, number of doses, and timing, so families should confirm immunization schedules with their trusted pediatrician, school nurse or health department.
“The recommended immunizations for children really do save lives,” says Dr. Grant Mussman, health commissioner for the Cincinnati Health Department. “Because the vaccines are so effective, it’s easy to forget the amount of harm and suffering these diseases have caused. With preventable diseases like measles making a comeback due to lower vaccination rates, up-to-date immunizations are more important than ever in order to protect our kids and ourselves.”
The American Academy of Pediatrics stresses that routine childhood immunizations are vital to both individual and public health, as vaccination programs can prevent severe outbreaks of preventable diseases like pertussis and measles.
“After decades of study, we know that childhood vaccines work and are very safe. Millions of children each year receive routine immunizations that help protect them, their families and our local communities from disease outbreaks,” says Dr. Jennifer Mooney, district director of health for the Northern Kentucky Health Department. “But don’t just take our word for it – families should ask their pediatricians and school nurses about how vaccines play important roles in their children’s health.”
Keep your kids healthy for school
- Check with your state’s department of health, trusted physician or school nurse about childhood immunizations required for school.
- Schedule family check-ups, immunizations, sports physicals and discussions with your pediatrician.
- Ask your pediatrician if they recommend new vision exams or hearing screenings.
- Gather medical documents, prescription lists, action plans and emergency contact information for your school’s awareness and records.
- Remind children (and adults!) to frequently wash their hands and cover their coughs to prevent spreading germs that cause illness. Consider adding hand sanitizer and tissues to their backpack, lunch bag and school-supply box.
- Establish healthy school-year routines at home that include a consistent sleep schedule, nutritious meals, daily hygiene habits and regular exercise.
- Limit recreational screen time for phones, tablets and computers, and consider designating screen-free areas of your home.
- Have regular check-in conversations to learn about persistent anxiety or social stress, especially if your child is changing schools or experiencing other life transitions.
Learn more about routine childhood immunizations on the American Academy of Pediatrics’ website.
