It's that time of year again — back-to-school time.
In preparation for the academic year, you are buying clothes, book bags, pens, pencils, paper and other necessary items to ensure that your child has what he or she needs to succeed.
It is important that your children are prepared for school in every aspect — including their immunizations and vaccinations.
Although there is a lot of controversy regarding various immunizations and vaccinations, it is important to know that the benefits of receiving them outweigh the risks.
It is ultimately your decision as a parent or guardian to decide whether your child is immunized.
Many people believe that immunizations are not safe or effective. Some even believe they are not needed in this day and time.
The truth is that being immunized may keep your child from suffering from diseases that could have been prevented. It can also prevent other children from being exposed.
Let's look at the actual immunization process.
When immunized, your child may experience minor side effects, such as a slight fever, rash or pain at the injection site. These side effects, as well as slight discomfort, are normal, and you should not be alarmed.
However, if you feel like your child is having a serious reaction to an immunization, consult your primary care provider immediately.
Be sure to note what happened, as well as the date and time. In the event of severe reactions, your primary care provider may have to file a Vaccine Adverse Event Report.
There is a recommended immunization schedule for children up to age 18.
The most common immunizations include protection from hepatitis A and B, rotavirus, measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, pneumococcus and varicella (chickenpox).
The newest vaccine on the market is Gardasil, an FDA-approved vaccine for girls and women age 9 to 26. The vaccine, which consists of three recommended routine doses, has proved to be effective in preventing the various types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that cause most cervical cancer cases and genital warts.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 12,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, while an estimated 4,000 die from the disease.
Other adjustments to the immunization schedule include the addition of meningococcal and varicella vaccinations for 11- and 12-year-old children.
The meningococcal virus was previously used to vaccinate college freshmen living in dormitories. The need for an additional varicella vaccination is recommended as studies have proved that the first one eventually wears off and no longer has protective effects.
It is important that all measures are taken to ensure the health of our children. Immunizations are just a small step to protect our children and our community.
Although the decision to have your child immunized is ultimately yours, be sure to consider the fact that the benefits do outweigh the risks of receiving them.
For additional information, consult your primary care provider or the local health department. Information may also be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site at www.cdc.gov.
- Courtney Young, MPH, a native of Greenwood, is currently working on her master's degree at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn. She is a first-year nursing student in the Family Nurse Practitioner program.
