Back to School Immunization
By: Gretchen Bolander
Updated: August 11, 2011
Joplin, MO- Going to the doctor's office to get shots isn't exactly fun. But it is important, according to Freeman Pediatrician Beth Woolery. "We've forgotten a little bit in this country why it's important because we don't see these disease anymore but some of them like measles are making a comeback."
Required school shots start at kindergarten... a list that includes the diptheria, tetanus and pertussis. "Pertussis being whooping cough. They need to have their polio vaccines which is for invasive spinal infections. They need to have MMR, measles, mumps, rubella vaccines. And they need to have two chicken pox vaccines, or varicella vaccines. And then they need to have all three Hepatitis B vaccines," said Woolery.
A series of Hepatitis B shots are also required. And Woolery also recommends the Hepatitis A for good general health. You'll also want to keep tabs with your health care provider to make sure you child stays current. Woolery said, "And as your child gets older, the CDC may change recommendations so it's important to check with your health care provide to see if any recommendations have changed."
Woolery also recommends bringing your child's immunization record to each doctor's visit to ensure you stay on track - getting the right shot at the right time.
