It’s Back to School Season! Make Sure Your Kids Are Up to Date on Important Routine Vaccinations
We don't know about you, but the further we get into August, the more it starts to feel like back-to-school season! For most families, that means shopping for new school supplies and creating a schedule to stay on top of after school activities. But it's not just soccer practice or piano lessons you should consider adding to your family's schedule.
It's also a good time to check your child's immunization record and make sure they're on schedule to receive important routine vaccinations. With August being National Immunization Awareness Month, it's a great time to speak to your child's doctor or nurse about what vaccines they might need. Staying up to date on childhood vaccinations can offer children protection early in life before they're likely to be exposed to serious and potentially life-threatening diseases.
What Vaccines Does My Child Need?
As your child gets older, they'll need different vaccines to keep them safe from serious diseases like measles, mumps, meningitis, and certain cancers caused by HPV. Children six months and older are also eligible to receive a flu and COVID-19 vaccine. The best way to know which vaccines your child might need is to speak with their primary care provider.
They can let you know which vaccines are recommended for your child’s age and offer vaccines during their well-child visit! They can also help address any questions or concerns you might have about vaccinating your child and offer additional resources to help you make your decision.
You can also find out which vaccines your child might need by viewing the CDC’s immunization schedule at: http://ow.ly/Poe350Kqzyq
How Do I Know Which Vaccines My Child Has Already Received?
The best way to know which vaccines your child has received is by looking at their immunization record. If you're not sure how to access this, you have a few options! One way is to download the MyIR Mobile app to your phone. It's the quickest way to access all records for vaccines received in Washington state. To register and see which vaccines your child has received, visit: http://ow.ly/Umas50KqzBx
Another way you can access your child's immunization record is by reaching out to their current or previous health care provider, pharmacy, or clinic where you think they may have been vaccinated. They’ll be able to provide you with your child's immunization record, if they have it, when you sign an information release form. If you have a primary care provider, you should also be able to find your child’s immunization record by logging into their patient portal. For additional ways you can locate your child's immunization record, visit: http://ow.ly/pTEf50KqzFt
Where Can I Get My Child Vaccinated?
If you're ready to get your child vaccinated and have a primary care provider, we recommend reaching out to them to schedule a well-child visit. If you don't have a primary care provider, most pharmacies and family clinics will offer routine vaccines for kids, including the COVID-19 vaccine.
Spokane Regional Health District also plans to offer a few vaccine clinics during the beginning of the school year, so keep an eye out on our website and social media for days and times! For additional information and resources on vaccines, visit: http://ow.ly/pTEf50KqzFt
Back to School, Back to Routine: Keep This in Mind Too!
The beginning of the school year means getting back into a routine and saying goodbye to summer. While parents might look forward to this change, it can be difficult and nerve-wracking for some kids. In our latest Facebook Live, Shannon Lawson, principal of Spokane Public Montessori School, offered some tips on how parents can help their kids prepare for the upcoming school year and make the transition easier. Watch below!