Not only is August the best summer month, it is also National Immunization Month; which makes sense because it is the time of year when parents and caregivers country-wide are gearing up for back to school! The house goblins are finally going back out into the world so we, as adults, can drink our morning coffee in peace. Perhaps one day one of them will find the cure for cancer or the solution to global warming or how to keep eyeglasses from steaming up in the cold but in the meantime, it is up to the grownups of the world to keep them safe from childhood diseases… and that means keeping their immunizations up to date.
According to Washington law any child attending school, preschool, or childcare in Washington State is required to be fully immunized. 
The parent or guardian of a child must provide documentation of vaccination or proof of immunity to specific diseases. This requirement is based on the national Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Immunization Schedule for school or childcare registration and attendance. The specific diseases are listed below:
- Chickenpox (Varicella)
- Diphtheria
- German measles (Rubella)
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)*
- Hepatitis B
- Measles
- Mumps
- Pneumococcal disease*
- Polio (Poliomyelitis)
- Tetanus
- Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
There is a schedule for vaccines and when to get them. To see the chart, you can go to this website: https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-12/348295-ParentSchoolChart-2024-2025.pdf. The state keeps a record of what vaccines a child has been administered but it is a good idea to keep a copy of that record yourself.
Why do we even need to get vaccinated? Not only do vaccines protect most of us, they also protect those whose immune systems are compromised and unable to get vaccinated. This year saw small outbreak of measles. In total, 1,333 cases of measles were reported to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in 40 out of 50 states. 92% of those infected were unvaccinated. Before the invention of the measles vaccine, 400-500 people died every year… as a result of this year’s outbreak, there were 3 deaths. Of course, our medical care has come a long way since then but why risk it?
Despite some opinions to the contrary, vaccines are proven to be safe and effective. Vaccines do not cause autism. Vaccines are our first and best defense against certain viral infections, and, it’s the law. Community Health Care can help. Call today for an appointment with one of our primary care providers (253) 722-2161. We can an ensure that your child – or children – are protected. Going back to school might not be all smooth sailing but at least you can be comforted in knowing that the immunizations will guard against those childhood diseases. For more information about Community Health Care, visit our website at www.commhealth.org.
