Health First Advises You to Not Skip Back-to-School Vaccinations  During COVID-19 Crisis

By  //  August 16, 2020

Florida Department of Health in Brevard encourages parents to have their children  vaccinated

As parents prepare to send their children back to school – whether it’s in the actual classroom or virtually – all eyes and ears are on COVID-19. While the pandemic has every parent’s attention, it’s crucial not to let it be the sole focus.  (Health First image)

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – As parents prepare to send their children back to school – whether it’s in the actual classroom or virtually – all eyes and ears are on COVID-19. While the pandemic has every parent’s attention, it’s crucial not to let it be the sole focus. 

Perfect example – don’t let routine immunizations fall by the wayside.

“While many families are focused on avoiding COVID-19, that doesn’t mean they should pass up measures to protect children from other risks that exist,” said Dr. Timothy Laird, a board-certified physician with Health First.

“While researchers are working on developing a vaccine for the novel coronavirus, there are other diseases that are still out there – and are preventable by keeping up with health officials’ recommended vaccination schedules.”

As the new school year approaches, the Florida Department of Health in Brevard is encouraging parents to have their children vaccinated, noting there has been a substantial drop in the number of immunizations provided before the start of school this year, in comparison to years past.

“While many families are focused on avoiding COVID-19, that doesn’t mean they should pass up measures to protect children from other risks that exist,” said Dr. Timothy Laird, a board-certified physician with Health First.

It’s especially important for parents of rising kindergartners and seventh-graders to look over their children’s immunization record to make sure they’re covered for the school year.

Students who are starting their first year of college are also encouraged to review their immunization status. Many schools require proof of certain vaccinations – such as meningitis and Hepatitis B – or a signed waiver declining these immunizations.

While families may have concerns about walking into doctors’ offices and potentially being exposed to COVID-19 or other illnesses, patients should rest assured.

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At Health First, multiple precautions are in place to protect all who walk through the doors, including hand sanitizer stations, a universal face mask policy, social distancing in common areas, strict disinfection standards, plastic partitions in check-in areas and more.

Even if your student is planning on attending virtual school, that doesn’t mean they won’t ever go outside the home – or others won’t visit. And it’s not just about your child – it’s about protecting your child’s friends, classmates, family members and the rest of the community.

“There was a time once when some of these diseases were rampant and devastating to those who contracted them,” Laird said.

“Now, we don’t think of them so much, thanks to the vaccines that have removed much of the risk. It’s important we remember that and continue to take the steps to protect the safety of our loved ones and everyone they are around.”

Health First offers several options for getting your child vaccinated. Call 321-434-3131 today to schedule.

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