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Back to school means vaccinations

As parents get their children ready to head back to school, they need to ensure they have all their vaccinations.

Children between the ages of 4 and 6 need to get boosters of four vaccines: DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertusis), MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella), Chickenpox, and Polio. 

Older children should get boosters for DTaP. Meningitis and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccines are also recommended for them.

“Please do not forget to evaluate your child’s health needs for protection against diseases that are vaccine preventable,” said Waupaca County Public Health Officer Terri Brooks, RN.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) also recommends routine immunization against pneumococcal disease with four doses given at ages 2, 4, 6, and 12-15 months of age. Vaccination to prevent meningococcal disease consists of two doses given at 11 years of age and a booster at 16-18 years of age.  

Human papillomavirus (HPV) may cause genital warts and cervical cancer. ACIP recommends that all children receive this three-dose series beginning at age 11 or 12.

“Schools are required by law to report all students that are not compliant with required immunization status to their local health department and this information is relayed to the state,” Brooks said. “This is a necessary surveillance measure to protect the health of all students enrolled in school.”

Parents may use the electronic Wisconsin Immunization Registry (WIR) to access either their children’s or their own immunization records.

For more information, contact the school nurse or the Waupaca County Health Department at 715-258-6323.

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