“It’s the number one thing you can do to protect your child and the community and prevent these diseases from recurring.”
DULUTH, Min. – As families prepare for the new school year, ensuring that children are up to date on their vaccinations is vital. While specific requirements may vary by state, several core vaccines are universally recommended.
“State law requires children be immunized for a host of childhood diseases prior to going back to school, including measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), varicella (chickenpox), hepatitis B, and polio,” says Natalie Weeks, MD, a Family Medicine Physician with Aspirus Health. For residents in Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin, local vaccination requirements can be found through their state health department.
The impact of these vaccines extends beyond individual protection.
“Vaccines not only protect your child, but they also protect the community at large, especially those who may be immunocompromised or have a harder time fighting off infections,” Dr. Weeks explains. “We are very lucky to have these vaccines to prevent potentially deadly diseases.”
She further emphasizes their preventive value: “It’s the number one thing you can do to protect your child and the community and prevent these diseases from recurring.”
For additional support, parents can check their child’s vaccination status through their state immunization registry, consult their child’s primary care provider, or review vaccine records maintained by schools.
“If parents are concerned or have any questions at all about vaccinating their children, I encourage them to talk to their child’s primary care provider,” advises Dr. Weeks.
For more information and resources on vaccinations, visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines or your state’s health department website. Staying informed and proactive about vaccinations is essential for protecting your child’s health and contributing to community well-being.
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Interview Questions
- Which vaccines are most important for kids to have before going back to school?
- How do these vaccines help protect the broader community?
- What would you say to parents who are worried about vaccinating their kids?
For more health content, visit the Aspirus Media Center.
About Aspirus: Aspirus Health is a nonprofit, community-directed health system based in Wausau, Wisconsin, serving northeastern Minnesota, northern and central Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The health system operates 18 hospitals and 130 outpatient locations with nearly 14,000 team members, including 1,300 employed physicians and advanced practice clinicians. Learn more at aspirus.org.
