What You Need to Know About Vaccines for Schoolchildren

Since Florida schoolchildren recently returned to the classroom, we thought it wise to take a look at immunization requirements. There are several laws governing immunization requirements for schoolchildren in our state.

In Pinellas County, parents must show proof of immunization before enrolling their children in kindergarten and again, in seventh grade. It's all about safeguarding public health and protecting against the spread of disease.

 There are a few temporary and permanent exemptions:

• a permanent medical condition exemption may be granted if a child has an allergy
• if the child is ill at the time immunizations are required they may  get a temporary exemption
• if the child has recently transferred from another school district or state, the family has a 30-day grace period to gather immunization records. This grace period is strictly enforced.
• religious exemptions ( e.g. Scientology). A DH Form 681, must be filled out by a county health department to qualify.

According to Florida health experts, living well includes keeping immunizations current to help prevent the spread of diseases. Childhood vaccines provide protection from a wide array of serious and potentially fatal diseases, including diphtheria, meningitis, tetanus and whooping cough (pertussis). According to the Florida Department of Health website, there are several reasons we immunize children:

• protection from disease, disability, and death (diseases that can now be prevented via vaccines, once led to near-certain disability and death).
• to protect other children who are not immune, including those who are too young to be immunized, those in whom the vaccine did not work.
• to lower healthcare costs treating potentially serious illnesses vaccines might have prevented.

The Florida Department of Health website offers a guide for parents that goes into more detail.  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer a video for parents to help understand the importance of immunizations. During the past few decades, Americans have enjoyed a decrease in the spread of diseases such as polio and measles. Yet experts say it is precisely because of an aggressive immunization program.

While some believe infection provides complete immunity, it often comes with a very high risk. For example, Varicella (chickenpox) can lead to pneumonia, while polio can cause permanent paralysis and mumps can cause deafness. The Centers for Disease Control offers an array of resources on vaccines, their safety and monitoring. 

It is also worth mentioning that in recent years, the perceived connection between autism and childhood vaccines has been highly controversial. However, the original study that touched off the debate has been retracted. Additonally, an array of subsequent studies have been unable to show any link between vaccinations and autism.

However, while closely monitored, any vaccine can potentially cause side effects. Typically, side effects are minor and may include:

• a low-grade fever
• joint tenderness and soreness
• redness or swelling at the injection site
• dizziness
• fatigue
• loss of appetite

Though rare, a child may have an allergic reaction or a neurological side effect, such as a seizure. If your child has a reaction, seek immediate medical attention.

According to Darrell Pfalzgraf, Public Health Services Manager for the Pinellas County Department of Health in St. Petersburg, Fla., proof of childhood immunizations are required before a child enrolls in kindergarten and in seventh grade. That’s why good record keeping is essential.

“In Florida, we have done very well keeping children protected from serious complications from viruses,” he said.

Pfalzgraf also discussed the Vaccines for Children program, which is federally funded in a partnership between the CDC and the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases to provide vaccines to qualifying children at no cost to the parent or guardian. These can be administered through the Department of Health, or at a healthcare provider’s office. Pfalzgraf also offered sage advice to parents and guardians.

“My recommendation is to continue with regular check-ups with a healthcare provider, to ask them to review records and ensure your child is kept up-to-date.”

For more information, contact your healthcare provider or the Pinellas County Department of Health. The closest office for Gulfport residents:

• 205 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. North, St. Petersburg, Fla. 33701
• 727- 824-6900
• The office is open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., but experts suggest calling first.

Resources:

•  an immunization schedule for Florida school children

•  locations for Pinellas County Department of Health offices

In future columns, we’ll discuss flu vaccines and adult immunizations to ensure we are all living well.