Health experts urge children to get back-to-school vaccinations

Health experts say vaccination rates have dipped dangerously low as parents have delayed visits to the pediatrician during the coronavirus pandemic, and are urging parents to get their children vaccinated.

"Vaccine-preventable illnesses and deadly disease outbreaks such as measles and whooping cough don't take a break during the COVID-19 pandemic," according to a news release from The Immunization Partnership, a non-profit group. "Parents need to remain vigilant and keep their children up-to-date on their recommended vaccines."

The Immunization Partnership and local health care providers worry that any decrease in regular immunizations and well-child visits will lead to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases in areas with pockets of unvaccinated children.

"Children need to stay current on their recommended vaccines," said Dr. Janice Stachowiak, clinical assistant professor in internal medicine at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. "Even though some confusion exists about when or if schools will open, now is the time to contact your health care provider. School children who are not vaccinated will be at higher risk for contracting a disease that could be prevented by a vaccine."

The news release indicates health care providers are taking extra safety measures to make sure doctor's visits are safe. Along with requiring face coverings and enforcing social distancing, the news release says examination rooms are disinfected after each appointment, waiting rooms are cleaned frequently, and sick patients are seen at a specific time to avoid contact with healthy patients.

"Instead of further delay, it's best to schedule wellness appointments and use those visits for vaccinations to ensure your child stays healthy," said Dr. Allison Winnike, president and CEO of The Immunization Partnership. "Getting the vaccines that are available to us now is the most effective way to keep ourselves and our families safe and healthy in this time of pandemic and uncertainty."

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