Vaccinating Kids and Teens
August 8, 2024
As students go back to school, it is important that they are up to date on their immunizations. Rebecca D. Lewis, DO, FACOFP, Chief Medical Officer, St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, talks about the importance of vaccines and which ones should be given prior to the beginning of school.
Why are vaccinations important?
On-time vaccinations help provide immunity before children are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases. Vaccines are tested to ensure that they are safe and effective for children to receive at the recommended ages.
Which vaccinations do my kids require?
Annual flu vaccinations
School age: For kindergarten - vaccinations for ages 4-6 years old:
- DTap (which is diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis [whooping cough] booster)
- Polio vaccine
- 2nd doses of MMRV or measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox)
Prior to entering 7th grade or for ages 11-12:
- Tdap (tetanus booster, diphtheria, and pertussis)
- First dose of Meningitis vaccination (MenACWY)
Ages 11-16:
- Eligible for HPV vaccination (Gardisil)
- Second dose of meningitis (MenACWY)
- First dose of a second meningitis vaccine (MenB)
What are the recommendations for the COVID vaccine for children?
For the best protection, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends COVID-19 vaccines for everyone six months and older. A COVID-19 vaccine and booster, updated to the most common strain of the virus that causes COVID-19, might prevent your child from getting the COVID-19 virus or becoming seriously ill or hospitalized due to COVID-19.
Does insurance cover vaccinations?
Most insurances cover scheduled vaccinations. If you don’t have health insurance, or if it does not cover vaccines, there are programs that may offer financial help.
To make an appointment with one of the physicians at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, call our Physician Referral Service at 580-249-3741.