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With the new school year here, families across Washington are busy preparing their children for a successful academic journey. Amid these preparations, ensuring that children are up to date on their vaccinations is especially important. For children in preschool and kindergarten, vaccinations are not just a personal health matter; they are a public health imperative. Vaccines protect young children from serious diseases, prevent outbreaks in school settings, and contribute to the overall health and safety of the community. Vaccinations for children aged 0-5 years have a crucial role in fostering a healthy start to the school year. 

 “As the statewide affiliate for the Help Me Grow initiative and the backbone of Immunity Community, WithinReach believes that it is essential to ensure that families have access to the resources they need to keep their children healthy. By supporting vaccination efforts, we are helping to protect the youngest and among the most vulnerable members of our community, fostering a healthier future for all,” notes Drashti Patel, Project Manager, Immunizations & Partnerships at WithinReach.  

Protecting Your Kid’s Health  

The primary goal of vaccinations is to protect individual children from vaccine preventable diseases. Infants and young children are at a higher risk of complications from infectious diseases because their immune system is not yet fully developed. Diseases such as measles can lead to severe complications like infection of the lungs or the brain, and even death. The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine has been highly effective in reducing the incidence of these diseases, providing critical protection during the vulnerable early years. 

In addition to protecting against acute illnesses, vaccines also help prevent long-term complications. The recent increase in cases of infants with pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, in King County is another indication that pregnant people and children are missing key vaccination milestones. By ensuring children are vaccinated on schedule, we safeguard their health and development during these formative years. 

Preventing Disease Outbreaks in Schools 

Schools and childcare centers involve close contact among children, which can contribute to the rapid spread of infectious diseases. Unvaccinated children are not only at risk themselves but can also become sources of outbreaks that affect other children, teachers, and staff. Herd immunity, which occurs when a high percentage of the community is immunized, is essential in preventing the spread of contagious diseases. This collective immunity protects those who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants who are too young for certain vaccines or individuals with medical conditions that preclude vaccination. 

A well-vaccinated preschool and kindergarten population significantly reduces the likelihood of outbreaks. High vaccination coverage has led to the near elimination of diseases like measles and polio in the United States. However, lapses in vaccination coverage can lead to resurgences. Recent measles outbreaks in parts of the country have been linked to areas with low vaccination rates, underscoring the importance of maintaining high coverage to protect public health. 

Economic and Social Benefits 

Ensuring that children are vaccinated also has substantial economic and social benefits. Vaccinated children are less likely to miss school due to illness, which means fewer disruptions to their education and less strain on families who may need to take time off work to care for sick children. Healthy children are more likely to thrive academically and socially, building a strong foundation for their future success. 

From an economic perspective, preventing disease through vaccination reduces healthcare costs associated with treating vaccine preventable illnesses. For children born in the United States between 1994 and 2018, vaccinations will prevent millions of illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths, resulting in significant savings in direct costs and societal costs. These savings reflect not only reduced medical expenses but also the broader economic benefits of a healthier population. 

 Access to Vaccination Services 

Ensuring that all children have access to vaccination services is a fundamental aspect of public health. Organizations like WithinReach play a vital role in helping families access resources to live healthy lives, including locating clinics and connecting people to health insurance. By addressing barriers to vaccination, such as lack of transportation, financial constraints, or limited healthcare access, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to receive life-saving vaccines. 

As we prepare for the upcoming school year, it is imperative to emphasize the importance of vaccinations for preschool and kindergarten children. Vaccines protect individual children from serious diseases, prevent outbreaks in school settings, and contribute to the overall health and safety of the community. Get details about where to go for your child’s vaccine needs at https://helpmegrowwa.org/childhood-immunizations.