As the new school year approaches, the Southern 7 Health Department (S7HD) is urging families to schedule their children's routine back-to-school vaccination appointments now to avoid the last-minute rush in August. Early scheduling helps alleviate scheduling conflicts, reduces clinic wait times, and prevents potential vaccine shortages.
"Vaccinations are the primary reason we don't see higher rates of childhood diseases such as hepatitis, mumps, chickenpox, and many others,"
said Shawnna Rhine, S7HD Community Outreach Coordinator.
"While Illinois has experienced an increase in measles cases recently, vaccinations have kept these numbers low, ensuring children remain healthy."
Routine vaccinations are crucial in preventing the spread of diseases and avoiding long-term health complications. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend all children receive these vaccinations on time. Although HPV, flu, and COVID-19 vaccines are not mandated for Illinois students, S7HD advises families to consider these as well. HPV prevents cervical, genital, and other cancers, while flu and COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for children over six months old to protect against these illnesses.
Parents and guardians should take several steps to ensure their children are properly vaccinated. First, they should contact their local health department or pediatrician to arrange their child's vaccination appointment. Next, they should gather and confirm all necessary documents and required vaccines. Ensuring on-time vaccination is essential, as it provides immunity before children are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with S7HD, call 618-634-2297, visit southern7.org, or download the Southern 7 app. Southern 7 Health Department is dedicated to safeguarding the health of the community through education, prevention, and provision of health services. By vaccinating early, families can ensure a smoother start to the school year while keeping the community healthy and protected from preventable diseases.
