Beat the back-to-school rush
Schedule school vaccines now for a healthy, less stressful fall
Schedule school vaccines now for a healthy, less stressful fall
Your kids probably aren’t thinking about school. They’re enjoying summer play dates, running through the sprinkler and chasing the ice cream truck. But there’s one back-to-school task that you might want to do sooner rather than later.
Every fall, clinics get busy and appointment times fill up. Some parents are left scrambling to get their kids vaccinated before school starts. If your summer schedule is more open and flexible, you can set up your child’s vaccine appointment now. You’ll have more schedule options, less waiting and the satisfaction of checking one more thing off your to-do list.
Schedule an appointment with your primary care provider (PCP) to get your child’s vaccines. (Choose a PCP on your Member Dashboard)
You can also reach out to your local clinic or your child’s school to ask if there are any vaccine events in your area. Many communities offer back-to-school events that include vaccine clinics, free school supplies and other helpful support.
The school year can get busy fast. Between homework, sports and activities, it can be hard to fit in appointments in the fall. Each state has different requirements for when proof of vaccination is required, and some schools and childcare programs may ask for proof of vaccination before the first day of class. You can reach out to your child’s school to ask about those deadlines. Or you can take care of it over the summer and have one less thing to worry about!
That’s okay. Many parents have questions about vaccines, especially when kids are starting a new school or moving into middle school.
Your child’s provider can help you:
You can also ask about the yearly checkup that helps keep your child healthy and can catch problems early.
If you’re curious about vaccines and want to learn more before the appointment, you can review the full list of recommended immunizations from the American Academy of Pediatrics. You can print the list and bring it to the appointment to talk to your doctor. Here are some quick myths about vaccines and helpful facts that you can discuss during the appointment.
Myth: The shot will give your child the disease it is supposed to prevent.
Fact: Most vaccines are made with very small amounts of dead viruses, which does not give your child the disease. Your child has a very small chance of getting sick from these shots. They have a much greater risk of getting sick if he or she is not immunized.
Myth: My child does not need to get shots because all other children have gotten their shots.
Fact: Not all children are immunized. Your child could get sick from a child who has not been vaccinated. The best way to protect your child is to make sure they are immunized.
Myth: Getting more than one shot at a time will give my child more side effects and make him or her sick.
Fact: Research shows that giving more than one shot at a time does not increase the risk of side effects and illness. Giving multiple vaccinations can save time and money and won't hurt your child as much.
Myth: I do not need to immunize my child because the disease is not common in America.
Fact: Although many diseases are not common in America, worldwide travel brings diseases to your city and can put your child at risk. Many diseases that can be prevented, like measles, are spreading more in the U.S. because fewer people have gotten vaccines over the past few years.
Myth: Vaccines cause harmful side effects and illness and can cause death.
Fact: Vaccines are very safe and usually only cause minor sickness, such as mild fever or sore muscle. Remember, your child has a much greater risk of getting sick if he or she is not vaccinated.
Myth: Vaccines cause autism in children.
Fact: There are many studies on this subject, and there is no scientific evidence that supports this claim.
Back-to-school season will always be busy. Planning ahead now can make the start of school much easier. Schedule a vaccine appointment today with your child’s healthcare provider or sign in to the Moda Health Member Dashboard to choose a PCP.
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance and recommendations.
Health Plans provided by Moda Health Plan, Inc.
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