Important Vaccines Required for Daycare & School

Though schools are an ideal environment for growing and learning, they also provide the perfect platform for the spread of infections. Every parent would want to make sure their baby is healthy and safe from preventable diseases. One of the best ways to protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases is to vaccinate them during the right stages. A vaccine is a way of improving the natural immunity of the body to a specific disease before the body is exposed to a virus. In many states, mandatory vaccines for school-going children and children attending child care programs are required. These state laws also require immunisation against various childhood diseases that can be easily prevented through vaccines. Schools in these states usually require proof of vaccination before the admission or before they enter into the next grade. But there are better reasons as to why vaccines are important. These are some of the safest and effective ways to prevent a collection of deadly diseases. Therefore, when checking for the back-to-school list, do not forget to include immunisation shots for school.

School immunisations- Vaccines Needed before Entering Childcare or Schools

Vaccinations are effective and safe, and protect children from various health complications. Here are some vaccines your children should take before entering schools or childcare.

2-3 Months

Make sure your child is given these vaccines when they are between the ages of 2 and 3 months.

1. Polio (1).
2. Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP) (1).
3. Hepatitis B (1).
4. Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) (1).

4-5 Months

These vaccines are really important when your child is between 4 and 5 months.

1. Polio (2).
2. Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP) (2).
3. Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) (2).
4. Hepatitis B (2).

6-14 Months

When your child is between 6 and 14 months, it is important to take these vaccines.

1. Polio (2).
2. Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP) (3).
3. Hepatitis B (2).
4. Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) (2).

15-17 Months

If your child is around 15- 17 months, visit a hospital to ensure your baby gets these vaccinations.

1. Polio (3)
2. Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP) (3)
3. Hepatitis B (2)
4. Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) (1 on or after the 1^st birthday)
5. Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) (1 on or after the 1^st birthday)

18 Months- 3 Years

These vaccines must be taken when the baby is between 18 months and 3 years.

1. Polio (3).
2. Hepatitis B (3).
3. Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP) (4).
4. Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) (1 on or after the 1^st birthday).
5. Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) (1 on or after the 1^st birthday).
6. Varicella (Chickenpox vaccine) (1).

4-6 Years

For children between the ages of 4 and 6 years, these vaccines must be taken.

1. Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP) (5, but 4 doses would be okay if 1 was already given on or after the 4^th birthday).
2. Polio (4, but 3 doses would be okay if 1 was given on or after the 4^th birthday).
3. Hepatitis B (3).
4. Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) (2, both given on or after the 1^st birthday).
5. Varicella (chickenpox) (1).

7 Years and Above

If the children are above 7 years, then these vaccines must be taken.

1. Polio (4, but 3 doses would be fine if 1 was given on or after the 2^nd birthday).
2. Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP) (4, but 3 doses are okay if the last dose was taken on or after the 2^nd birthday).
3. Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) (1, but 2 doses required in 7^th grade).
4. Varicella (chickenpox) (1-2) (1 dose needed for ages between 7-12, and 2 doses for ages between 13-17 years).
5. Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) (1 dose on or after 7^th grade).

If there is an outbreak in the area you live in, then vaccines would help reduce the numbers as well. If you do have any questions on immunisations for school-age children or your family, during any period of time, then it is best to ask your health care provider or get information from the nearest hospital.

These back to school immunisations will not only help prevent your child from getting infections but also protect other sick children whose immune systems are not strong enough to fight these infections. Keeping children safe is one of the most important things to parents and immunisation is one way to keep them safe. It prevents them from falling ill, making their childhood more fun-filled instead of bed-ridden. It is well-known that the more children fall sick, the harder it affects their immune system in the long run. To provide your child with a strong and healthier life, immunisation is pretty much the first step.

Also Read: 

Vaccination Schedule for 4 to 6 Year Old Kid
Childhood Vaccinations for Various Diseases
How to Make Vaccination Fun for Children