Dear Parents,
With the school year underway, please remember that as your children are busy learning academic and social skills, they are also exposed to many common bacterial and viral illnesses. There are many safe and effective vaccines available to prevent several of them:
CHICKENPOX / Varicella
It is RECOMMENDED that all children have 2 doses of the vaccine, some age groups are REQUIRED to have 2 doses. In some cases, children may still get chickenpox disease, but generally is a much less severe case.
FLU VACCINE
Flu vaccine is widely available this year and recommended for all children over 6 months old.
MENINGOCCAL DISEASE
Meningitis vaccine is now licensed for children over 2 years old.
* The vaccine IS Now required for school Students living in dormitory settings in Missouri Colleges and Universities.
PERTUSSIS / Whooping Cough
Young children get the coverage in the DTaP series. TDaP is required to enter the 8th grade in MO. You can get it for your child anytime after age 10.
HEPATITIS A series
Also not required for school or day care attendance, but is required for food or beverage handler's in Camden County. It is also recommended for travelers and all children over 1 year of age. Requires 2 doses at least 6 months apart.
As always, handwashing is your child's best defense against illness. Remind your child often of the importance of washing hands.
Please take a few moments to look over your child's immunization records and contact your health care provider if any of these are needed.
