Vaccinations for Back to School & Good Health in General

By Gayle A. Roberts, CNP, MSN, RN

   Since "back to school" is the theme this time of year, it’s important to remember vaccinations as part of the to-do list. For some little ones just beginning their school careers and for children just beginning school in our state, here is the list of current required vaccines to attend school in Ohio.

   Protect your children, yourself and your community by being vaccinated. Avoid the long lines and see your healthcare provider to get your child vaccinated, catch up on shots, begin immunizations and check into any shots you may need as an adult.

   Generally, school nurses will be looking for a record of the vaccines given (do not forget to get a record when you or your children have vaccines) and dates given, either before school or soon after school begins. If requirements are not met, parents will be advised to obtain the required vaccinations within a certain period of time.

   Your healthcare provider is an excellent resource for vaccine information. He or she can describe the required vaccinations and answer questions any questions you have. The required vaccines are meant to protect the health of those within the schools and the community.

   Please note that the required list is only a list of very minimum vaccine requirements. There are a total of 14 vaccines that are advised to be given before age 2, and two more required by age 16. First, discuss these vaccines with your provider. Next, begin getting vaccines, catch up on vaccines and/or check into vaccines for adults.

The following are the vaccination requirements to attend school in Ohio as per the CDC.gov web site:

For Kindergarten:
     DTaP  (Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussis or Whooping Cough)- 4-5 doses
     Hepatitis B  (an inflammation of the liver) - 3 doses
     MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) - 2 doses
     Polio - 3-4 doses
     Varicella (Chicken Pox) - 2 doses

   Some schools may require other vaccines. As stated, completing a full vaccine schedule is advised for all children, these being very minimal requirements. See your healthcare provider soon to update vaccines not just for school but for good health! More information can be seen at the Ohio Department of Health website at www.odh.ohio.gov or the Centers for Disease Control website at www.CDC.gov. All you need to do is search vaccinations or search for any concerns you have about public health.

Gayle A. Roberts, CNP, MSN, RN is a retired nurse practitioner and college nursing professor who volunteers for Trinity Hospital Twin City.