Vaccines are generally required in order for children to enter public school and attend child care programs. A medical waiver not to vaccinate can be signed and utilized in some school districts. As a parent or caregiver, you should know what vaccines are generally required and recommended by medical professionals and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Keep in mind that specific guidelines vary by state; search the National Network for Immunization Information to locate your state and its specific requirements.
DTap, MMR, Polio and Varicella
The DTap, MMR, Polio and Varicella group of vaccinations are to be started when a child is an infant and supplemented until the complete dosage is given, generally by the age of 4 through 6. Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis, or DTap, are vaccines that prevent life-threatening diseases. Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that causes weakness, sore throat and swollen glands that can lead to death, explains MayoClinic.com. In some cases, diphtheria can also infect areas of the skin. In advanced stages of the infection, it can affect the heart, nervous system and kidneys.
MMR stands for measles, mumps and rubella, a group of potentially life-threatening infections. Measles, a viral infection, is identified by a pink rash that mainly covers the trunk, arms and legs of a child or adult. A fever and achy joints are common symptoms. Mumps can lead to encephalitis a swelling of the brain stem.
The polio vaccine prevents the contraction of polio, or poliomyelitis disease, explains KidsHealth. While the disease is generally mild, presenting with flu-like symptoms, up to 2 percent of those infected can develop paralytic polio in which they are paralyzed.
The varicella, or chicken pox, vaccine is used to prevent or lessen symptoms of the disease. All of these vaccinations are generally required before a child can start school.
Hepatitis and Hib
Hepatitis A and B vaccines are required by most daycares and schools before a child can be enrolled. Hepatitis A and B are infections that target the human liver, states the Hepatitis Foundation International. While they cannot be cured, they can be treated. Hepatitis A or B patients develop jaundice and can spread the infection to others. Cases can be isolated or ongoing, and can lead to death.
Haemophilus influenzae type b, or Hib, is a disease that causes swelling of the brain and its tissues, explains Vaccine Place. It can be life-threatening and lead to arthritis, pneumonia, pericarditis and cellulitis. Getting the Hib vaccine will prevent your child from contacting the disease. This is a required vaccine for children starting school.
Meningococcal and Pneumococcal Meningitis
Bacterial meningitis that consists of Meningococcal and Pneumococcal meningitis are deadly forms of meningitis that can lead to severe neurological damage and even death in children and adults, explains Everyday Health. Being vaccinated against both Meningococcal and Pneumococcal meningitis can prevent damage--such as amputations, loss of hearing, shock, kidney disease and loss of hearing--resulting from the infection. Brain damage and death can occur in severe cases. Many schools require that this immunization be administered after a child is a year old and every 2 months thereafter in four-dose intervals.
