Immunizations
Does your child have the required immunizations for school?
Backpacks. Binders. Pens and pencils. There's plenty of things to worry about when it comes to preparing kids to go back to school. But one thing that should not be overlooked is immunizations.
According to Dr. Guarov Dayal, some of history’s most serious illnesses, such as polio and smallpox, have been eradicated through immunization.
"Influenza, or “flu,” is another example of the tremendous benefits of vaccination. Each year, seasonal influenza results in more than 36,000 deaths and 200,000 hospitalizations. While hand washing and staying home can help prevent the spread of flu, an annual vaccination is the single best defense against this potentially serious illness," Dayal said.
2011 Recommended Immunizations Schedule
In Maryland, children are required to have four doses of a vaccination called DTaP prior to kindergarten. DTaP protects children against three serious illnesses:
- diphtheria, which can lead to breathing problems, paralysis and death;
- pertussis or whooping cough, which can lead to pneumonia, seizures and brain damage;
- and tetanus or lockjaw, which prevents victims from opening their mouths or swallowing and can lead to death.
Dr. Dayal reminds that the risk of not vaccinating your children significantly outweighs the minimal risk that they will have a rare side effect from vaccination.
If you have questions or concerns about vaccinating your children, discuss this important topic with your pediatrician, and check with your school system regarding which vaccinations are required before your child can begin school.
Diabetes
To help your child get ready for the first day of school and for the rest of the school year, here are a few key tips:
Create a diabetes management plan with the school.
Meet with staff early in the school year to learn more about how the
school helps students care for diabetes and handles any diabetes-related
emergencies. You can work with your child's doctor and school staff to create a
Diabetes Medical Management Plan.
Check for necessary diabetes supplies.
You and your child
can work together to create a care package to bring in his or her
backpack. Supplies should include:
- blood glucose meter, testing strips, lancets, and extra batteries for the meter
- ketone testing supplies
- insulin and syringes/pens
- antiseptic wipes
- glucose tablets or other fast-acting glucose snack
- water
- for children who wear an insulin pump, backup insulin and syringes/pens in case of pump failure
Make sure your child can manage diabetes at a level appropriate for his or her age.
If your child is going to monitor his or her blood sugar, ensure that he
or she feels comfortable doing so. If a trained school employee will do
the monitoring, be sure your child knows where and when to go for
testing. Also, make sure your child knows who to go to for help with
high or low blood sugar episodes. The actions to be taken should be in
the Diabetes Medical Management Plan.
Encourage your child to eat healthy foods.
Prepare a healthy breakfast, which will help your child stay focused and
active. If you send a lunch with your child, pack a healthy meal that
contains whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Make sure your child gets at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day.
Being active can help your child improve his or her blood sugar
control. Also, limit screen time – TV, videogames and the internet – to
one to two hours a day.
Help prevent sick days.
Check to be sure your child has had all recommended vaccinations,
including the flu shot. If children with diabetes get sick, they can
take a longer time to recover than children without diabetes.
Concussions
A concussion is a brain injury. Concussions are caused
by a bump or blow to the head. Signs and symptoms of concussion can show up right after the injury or may not appear or be noticed until days or weeks after the injury. If your child reports any symptoms of concussion, or if you notice the symptoms yourself, seek medical attention right away.
Prevention
Every sport is different, but there are steps your children can take to protect themselves from concussion.
- Ensure that they follow their coach's rules for safety and the rules of the sport.
- Encourage them to practice good sportsmanship at all times.
- Make sure they wear the right protective equipment for their activity (such as helmets, padding, shin guards, and eye and mouth guards). Protective equipment should fit properly, be well maintained, and be worn consistently and correctly.
- Learn the signs and symptoms of a concussion.
Signs and symptoms
If your child has experienced a bump or blow to the head during a game or practice, look for any of the following signs and symptoms of a concussion:
- Appears dazed or stunned
- Is confused about assignment or position
- Forgets an instruction
- Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
- Moves clumsily
- Answers questions slowly
- Loses consciousness (even briefly)
- Shows behavior or personality changes
- Can't recall events prior to or after hit or fall
Download the
CDC Fact Sheet to learn what to do if you think your child has a concussion.
Find a Doctor
Our FREE physician referral services puts you in contact with physicians who are right for you.
Find a Doctor Online or Call 1-800-642-0101
