Back-to-School Vaccines: Is Your Child Up to Date for the New School Year?
Keep your kids protected this school year. Learn which vaccines are recommended by age and schedule back-to-school immunizations today.
With the start of the school year right around the corner, it’s a good time to check whether your children are up to date on vaccines (also called immunizations).
Vaccines are very safe. They protect children from serious diseases that can make them very sick or can even be life-threatening, said David Bar-Shain, MD, a pediatric primary care physician at MetroHealth Main Campus.
The diseases we vaccinate against are real. We don’t see them very often because vaccines work. But these diseases still exist around the world, and they can travel here. Children who aren’t vaccinated are at the highest risk of getting sick.
You may see a lot of information about vaccines on social media or in the news. But years of research show that vaccines are safe and work well. Vaccinating your child also helps protect babies, older adults, and people with weak immune systems by slowing the spread of disease. If you have questions, talk to your MetroHealth pediatric provider.
How Do Vaccines Work?
Vaccines teach your child’s immune system how to fight germs before they can cause illness. They use a small, harmless part of a germ to help the body build protection, called antibodies. Later, if your child is exposed to the real germ, their body recognizes it and can fight it off before they get sick.
Babies receive several vaccines during their first few years of life. Older children get booster shots to help keep that protection strong.
What Vaccines Do Your Kids Need?
Ohio law requires students to be fully protected against 10 vaccine-preventable diseases:
- Diphtheria
- Hepatitis B
- Measles
- Meningococcal
- Mumps
- Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
- Polio
- Rubella
- Tetanus
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
Kindergarten
By age 4, the protection from some early vaccines starts to wear off. That’s why children need booster shots before starting kindergarten. Many pediatric offices offer combination vaccines, which protect against more than one disease with a single shot.
Between the ages of 4 and 6, kids should have boosters for:
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- Polio
- DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis/Whooping Cough)
Middle School
Children ages 11 to 12 should receive:
- Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis)
- Meningococcal (MenACWY)
- HPV vaccine
The HPV vaccine can be started as early as age 9. It is recommended for both boys and girls because it helps prevent several types of cancer later in life. Talk with your child’s pediatrician about the best time to start the vaccine series.
High School
Students entering 12th grade should receive:
- A second dose of the Meningococcal (MenACWY) vaccine
- Meningococcal B vaccine, if recommended by their doctor
Many colleges and universities require meningitis vaccines before students can move into campus housing or attend classes.
Don’t Forget Yearly Vaccines
Flu and COVID-19 can still cause serious illness. MetroHealth recommends getting updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines every year to help protect your child and your family.
MetroHealth’s pediatric providers across Northeast Ohio can give back-to-school vaccines. Current MetroHealth pediatric patients older than age 3 who have had a well-child visit within the past year may be able to schedule a nurse visit for vaccines only.
Need to see a provider?
Take the first step toward your child’s healthiest future.
Schedule a pediatric visit today and connect with care that supports your family.
Call 216-778-2222 to schedule an appointment, or see a full list of our pediatric providers.
For more information, visit Pediatric Care at www.metrohealth.org.
Your Questions Answered
Q: Are vaccines required for school enrollment in Ohio?
A. Yes. Ohio law requires students to be vaccinated against 10 vaccine-preventable diseases before attending school. Requirements vary by grade level, so check with your child’s pediatrician to make sure they are up to date.
Q: Are vaccines safe for children?
A. Yes. Vaccines undergo extensive testing and continuous safety monitoring. They help protect children from serious illnesses and have been proven to be safe and effective through decades of research and use.
Q: How can I find out if my child is due for any vaccines?
A. Your child’s pediatrician can review their immunization record and recommend any vaccines or boosters they may need. If you’re a MetroHealth patient, call 216-778-2222 to schedule a vaccine appointment.