SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — The school year is upon us.
Some Bay Area students head back to class this week. And that means getting up to date with your child’s vaccinations.
Reading, writing and arithmetic are all important but when it comes to a student’s well being, public health officials say vaccines are the best way to ward off diseases.
So, it’s always good to update your child’s immunization records. That’s because as adolescents get older, some of the protection from their childhood shots begin to wear off.
Plus, children can develop other diseases as they age. So, what vaccines to health officials feel are necessary?
For preteens, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vaccines to protect against meningitis, HPV or the human papilomavirus, Tdap for tetanus, diptheria and pertussis. And don’t forget the flu.
If your child is already a teenager, the CDC recommends they update with catch-up vaccines for hepatitis B, polio, measles, mumps, rubella and varicella.
If you’re not sure which vaccines your child may need, see your pediatrician or you can ask your county education department for a list of required or recommended shots for your student.