Kids heading back to school is serving as good reminder about the importance of an up-to-date vaccination schedule. (Dreamstime)

By Alex Rawnsley

crucial immunizations

Back to school a ‘good reminder’ to update childhood vaccinations

Aug 28, 2023 | 5:23 AM

NANAIMO — Kids return to class in roughly one week’s time, with health officials using the occasion to remind people about importance of immunizations.

While most doses on the recommended schedule are given well before school-age, back to school serves as a good reminder to ensure kids are up to date on their vaccines.

Island Health medical health officer Dr. Charmaine Enns said there is a lot for parents to consider in their kid’s first five years.

‘The start of the school year is a chance to remind ourselves of the importance of being vaccinated and that the diseases we no longer see or rarely see in our communities are a result of vaccine that is given in infancy and childhood and this is a really important intervention to keep our children healthy.”

Vaccinations are typically administered in Island Health at a variety of public health clinics, including one adjacent to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.

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A majority are given in infancy with boosters typically scheduled around when children enter the school system.

“We make recommendations on the vaccine and the timing of the vaccine to provide the maximal protection and benefit to your children,” Enns added. “Those vaccines in infancy are important to protect the likelihood of infants getting those serious diseases.”

Enns admitted there was a seemingly increasing resistance or concern from parents about the vaccine schedule.

She said vaccines are tailored not to overwhelm immune systems but rather stimulate the body’s natural anti-bodies.

“I am aware there are lots of parents that think they need to wait until their child is older to get the vaccines but those vaccines are still going to remain important but the benefit of protecting infants and young children requires them to be vaccinated at those recommended times.”

Information on recommended vaccine schedules is available on the Island Health website.

— with files from Jon de Roo, 97.3 The Eagle

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