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Vaccines

Back to School Vaccinations: A Critical Component of Child and Family Well-being

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As children in North Carolina head back to school, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) reminds families that vaccinations are an essential part of back-to-school success and overall health and well-being. According to Dr. Zack Moore, State Epidemiologist, following CDC recommendations to control the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases is crucial for both child and family well-being. The DHHS is partnering with healthcare providers and stakeholders in a statewide awareness campaign to ensure school-age children are protected from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Key Takeaways:

  • Vaccine-preventable diseases, such as chicken pox, meningitis, measles, pertussis (whooping cough), and others are still seen across North Carolina, making it essential for children to be up to date on vaccinations.
  • The Vaccines for Children program offers free vaccines to children through 19 years of age at low or no cost, making it accessible to uninsured children.
  • Vaccines help protect vaccinated individuals and the community by reducing and preventing the spread of infectious diseases, as emphasized by Steven Gunn and Karin Szymanski, Co-Chairs of the North Carolina Immunization Coalition.
  • Teens become more susceptible to certain diseases in their preteen and teen years, making it essential to stay current with immunizations.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes August as National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) to highlight the importance of getting recommended vaccines throughout one's life.
  • Governor Roy Cooper proclaimed August as Immunization Awareness Month in North Carolina to raise awareness about the importance of vaccinations.
  • The NCDHHS is partnering with healthcare providers and stakeholders in a statewide awareness campaign to ensure school-age children are protected from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Statistics:

  • The CDC recommends vaccination against vaccine-preventable diseases such as chicken pox, measles, pertussis, and meningitis.
  • The Vaccines for Children program offers free vaccines to children through 19 years of age at low or no cost.
  • The CDC's immunization catch-up schedule is available for parents and guardians to determine the necessary vaccines for their children.
  • 100% of children entering kindergarten through 12th grade are required to be vaccinated according to state law.

Sources:

  • North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) proclamation by Governor Roy Cooper
  • Immunization Coalition of North Carolina
  • North Carolina Pediatric Society
  • North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services' NIAM toolkit.

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