There is always a list of tasks that must be completed before the start of a new school year. In particular, being up-to-date with the immunizations and physical exam required by most academic institutions.
Vaccination is important since it seeks protection and immunity against diseases that, although they are no longer so common, still exist and can be fatal, such as meningitis, measles, mumps, chickenpox, rotavirus, and polio, among others.
“It is important to protect our children from outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. Immunizations are important to keep children safe and ready for school. If the majority of students are immunized, this helps to significantly reduce the risk of infection in the community, that is, that a disease is transmitted from person to person,” said Dr. Rosa Castro Ávila, executive director, in a press release. of NeoMed Center.
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“It also helps protect those people who cannot be vaccinated for health reasons, such as people with some severe allergies and those with weakened immune systems such as people with cancer, HIV-AIDS, type 1 diabetes or other health conditions,” he adds.
Pursuant to the Immunization Law passed on September 25, 1983, the Department of Health requires all elementary, middle, and high school students to have an up-to-date series of immunizations. These vaccines must be registered on the P-VAC-3 form (green paper).
Between birth and 18 months, children receive several vaccinations, with additional doses to be given between 4 and 5 years of age, and between 11 and 12 years of age. For the ages of 4 and 5 years, the following vaccinations must be had:
♦ Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
♦ Polio
♦ Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP)
♦ Chickenpox
♦ Hepatitis B
Between the ages of 11 and 12, the following immunizations are recommended:
♦ Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) Booster
♦ Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and) and complete the series as indicated in the Vaccination Schedule to guarantee the necessary immunity against the virus.
♦ Meningitis (meningococcal)
♦ Annual Influenza Vaccine
♦ Any vaccines the child did not receive as babies, such as hepatitis A
In the case of new university students under 21 years of age, the following will be required:
♦ A Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Acellular Pertussis (Tdap) booster and/or Tetanus and Diphtheria (Td) booster as appropriate.
♦ Two doses of the common measles, German measles, and mumps (MMR) vaccine.
♦ Three doses of the Hepatitis B vaccine.
♦ Three doses of Polio Vaccine (OPV/IPV), if the last one was administered on or after four (4) years of age.
Regarding vaccines against Covid-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone six months and older receive an updated vaccine, what we know as the bivalent.
Vaccine Safety
Many parents and guardians of minors are concerned about the safety of vaccines. The safety and efficacy of vaccines are constantly under study.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the one who approves vaccines, and they establish control and monitoring measures after licensing. This agency works closely with the CDC to make recommendations on the use of vaccines. It is recommended to refer to reliable sources for information on vaccines.
Importance of Annual Physical Exam and Oral Exam
According to Law 63 of 2017, all students in even grades (K,2,4,6,8,10,12) of public and private educational institutions in Puerto Rico must submit an oral exam certificate. It consists of dental cleaning, plaque removal and fluoride application. This certificate must be completed by a licensed dentist or dentist in Puerto Rico and must be valid for less than one year after it was issued.
While an annual physical exam by the pediatrician once a year is an important part of checking the general health of children and adolescents, as well as treating or resolving certain health problems that may arise or any emotional, social, or behavioral concerns, development of parents or guardians. If your child has a chronic medical condition such as asthma, infections, or allergies, it is important that they have regular medical checkups.
For more information or questions about the vaccination schedule, you can call (787) 737-2311 or (787) 737-5373. They can also access the portal www.neomedcenter.org and his Facebook page: @NeomedCenterInc.
2023-08-05 15:40:00
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