Making back to school plans? Don't forget immunizations

  • Published
  • By 341st Medical Support Squadron personnel
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  August is National Immunization Awareness Month, designed to help families prepare for the school year. 

Some parents are misinformed about their children's immunizations, or feel overwhelmed by the amount of information available on the subject. Others incorrectly conclude that serious diseases have disappeared or have been wiped out. Many are alarmed by reports of possible side effects associated with certain vaccines. 

Parents need to ensure their children receive all of their shots before the second birthday. These will protect against the 12 major diseases: polio, measles, mumps, chickenpox, rubella (German measles), pertussis (whooping cough), diphtheria, tetanus, bacterial pneumonia, rotavirus, Haemophilus (Hib) which protects the covering of the brain and spinal cord, and Hepatitis A and B. 

In Montana, schools require vaccination against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, rubella, mumps, and measles. Children are required to have these completed before they enter kindergarten. School-aged children who have not received these immunizations should be given them immediately. 

It's crucial that young children get these vaccinations, because without them, a child's body may not be strong enough to fight off disease. Before vaccines, many children died from diseases like polio, whooping cough or measles. These diseases still exist today, but our youngsters are protected by vaccines. 

Additionally college freshman living in dormitories for the first time have a six-time greater risk of meningitis than other college students. According to the Center for Disease Control, 83 percent of meningitis is preventable by vaccine. For this reason, they recommend that college freshman receive the meningococcal vaccination. 

The 341st Medical Group encourages families with new kindergarten or college students, or any school age children to come to the immunizations clinic to check shot records or get immunizations during this month. The immunization clinic is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m., except holidays, down days and the afternoon of the fourth Thursday of each month for training. 

For more information, call (406) 731-4455.