Ask the Doctor
Vaccinations &
school physicals was the topic of the July 10, 2003 KARE-11 Today Show,
featuring Dr. Greg Vercellotti.
What vaccinations does my child need before starting
school next fall? Does he need a complete physical too?
With school starting in a couple of months, it is a good
time to start thinking about school vaccinations and physicals. These are two
extremely important elements of keeping children healthy.
Key Points
- Vaccinations are an important way to prevent infectious
diseases from reoccurring. State law in Minnesota requires that children have
written proof of certain shots before starting kindergarten, with some
exceptions. For example, if your child has a medical condition that causes a
weakened immune system the child will be excused from vaccination.
- Assuming that the child has kept up on previous
vaccinations throughout their infant and toddler years, there are three shots
that they should get before starting kindergarten. The DTP (Diphtheria,
Tetanus, and Pertussis or whooping cough), the Polio vaccine, and the MMR
(Measles, Mumps, and Rubella). The child should have received the HBV
(hepatitis B) vaccine when he/she was a baby or toddler. However, if they did
not receive the HBV the child must get three shots of this vaccine before
kindergarten starts.
- To keep track of your child's shots you should look
into the Secure Immunization Information Service (SIIS). This program uses a
computerized information system, also known as an immunization registry, which
contains a complete record of a persons immunizations, no matter where they
received those shots. To find out more about this program call 612-676-5100. If
you do not use SIIS you should keep a shot card on your child. Your doctor will give the shot card to you. Be sure to
take it with you to all of your childs doctor visits to keep it updated.
- Physicals are another great way to maintain your
childs health. Not only do they allow you to confirm that your child is not
suffering from any diseases, but they are also an opportunity to discuss health
issues related to school age children with your doctor. Children are required
by state law to have a developmental screening before kindergarten that
assesses the childs developmental skills. The Minnesota State High School
League also requires a physical before a student signs up for a sport, this is
usually in junior high or high school.
Standard physicals include a health history and examination.
Doctors assess your childs growth and development, weight, blood pressure,
cholesterol, vision, heart, and other physical, emotional, or social health
concerns. These elements help the doctor gauge your childs physical health and
screen them for diseases and conditions.
Information on
Immunization:
Minnesota Department of Health Immunization Hotline
612-676-5100
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
www.cdc.gov/nip
Secure Immunization Information Service (SIIS)
612-676-5100 or 800-657-3970
American Academy of Pediatrics
www.aap.org
National Network for Immunization Information
www.immunizationinfo.org
The Health Talk & You Web site provides general information on health-related
topics. The information is for general health education purposes only and
is not intended to provide medical advice. Specific advice on diagnosing or
treating a health care problem should be obtained from a health care provider.
Visit University of Minnesota Physicians
for a list of medical specialties at the University of Minnesota, or call
612-672-7422.
