The Importance of Immunizations, Vaccination Schedule, and Annual Exams for School Children

There is always a list of things 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 as it seeks protection and immunity against diseases that, although not so common anymore, still exist and can be deadly, 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”, highlighted Dr. Rosa Castro Ávila, executive director of NeoMed Center. “It also helps protect those people who cannot be vaccinated for health reasons, such as people with some severe allergies and those with weakened or compromised immune systems, such as people with cancer, HIV-AIDS, type 1 diabetes or other health conditions. health,” he added.

According to the Immunization Law approved on September 25, 1983, the Puerto Rico Department of Health requires that all elementary, middle and high school students have a series of up-to-date vaccinations. These vaccines must be registered on the P-VAC-3 form.

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 ages 4 and 5 years, the following immunizations must be had: Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR); Polio; Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP); Varicella (also known as 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); complete the series as indicated in the Vaccination Schedule to guarantee the necessary immunity against the virus; Meningitis (meningococcal); Annual Influenza Vaccine; and any vaccines they didn’t get as babies, such as hepatitis A.

In the case of new university students under 21 years of age, the following will be required: A booster of the Tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine and/or a booster of the Tetanus and diphtheria (Td) vaccine, according to the case; 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 years of age.

As for 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.

Many parents and guardians of minors are concerned about the safety of vaccines. The safety and efficacy of vaccines are constantly under study.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves vaccines and establishes control and monitoring measures after licensure. 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 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, which consists of taking 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.

On the other hand, an annual physical examination by the pediatrician once a year is an important part of verifying the general health of children and adolescents, as well as treating or resolving certain health problems that may arise or any emotional, social or or of the development that the fathers, mothers or guardians have. If your child has a chronic medical condition, such as asthma, infections, or allergies, it’s important to have regular checkups.

For more information or questions about the vaccination schedule, you can contact (787) 737-2311 or (787) 737-5373 or access the portal www.neomedcenter.org.

2023-08-07 00:45:00
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