Parents should start thinking about getting kids vaccinated for school

With only about two months left until school starts again, parents should begin thinking about taking their kids for school vaccinations.

“They’ve taken diseases that used to affect tens of thousands of kids and now they’re not even in existence in the United States anymore,” said Ryan Hobart, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Senior Services.

Several vaccinations are required by Missouri state law and all students must present documentation proving they received a vaccine before they can start school in the fall.

Dr. John Wilson with Como Cubs Pediatrics said most infants will have their first round of immunizations before they’re a year and a half old. That second round should happen right before they start kindergarten or preferably, he said, as soon as they turn 4 years old.

“As soon as they can get them done, get them done,” said Wilson. “The earlier they can be protected the better.”

Students with medical conditions or a religious requirement may be exempt from these vaccinations.

Wilson said when a child is going into eighth grade, they’ll require a few more vaccinations.

You can find a list of immunization requirements hereand herefor younger kids and for students in high school.

“Ninety percent of kids, after their vaccines, you don’t even know that they’ve had anything done, they’re 100 percent normal,” said Wilson. “About ten percent of kids end up getting a low-grade fever afterwards, which is very normal. As providers we actually like to see that low-grade fever because it really shows us that they’re responding really well to the vaccines.”

Vaccinations can be pricey. Anyone who does not have health insurance or cannot afford them can take advantage of different programs, including Vaccines for Children.

“They can go talk to their local public health agency and there’s a possibility they can get these free of charge depending on if they meet the requirements,” said Hobart.

Health departments, such as Boone County or Cole County, receive funding to offer free or low-cost vaccinations.

But many people can visit their doctor to receive these vaccinations.

Hobart also said it’s not just children who should be up to date on their immunizations.

“Vaccines work really well, but after a certain period of time their effectiveness wanes a little bit,” he said. “Adults can get these different diseases, so they should also talk to their doctors to make sure they’re covered.”

Though it is not required, an HPV vaccine is also strongly recommended by the CDC and the Department of Health and Senior Services.

“If people get [HPV], it increases their chances of getting certain types of cancer,” said Hobart.