September Public Health Column written by Sheldon Riklon, M.D., UAMS Family Medicine Physician
The back-to-school season means getting everything ready for your kids to have a successful year, and there’s one thing that should be at the top of your list: vaccines.
When kids get together at school, they share germs, and many illnesses could be serious if they are not prevented. Vaccinations are the best way for your kids to protect themselves — along with their friends, teachers and families. In fact, childhood vaccines prevent 4 million deaths across the globe every year.
Parents should be aware that vaccines are very safe. All vaccines in the United States go through a thorough testing process, and vaccines in this country are safer than they have ever been. Some children have a few mild side effects, but this just means that the vaccine is working. Some of the most common side effects include soreness and mild fever.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many families missed important vaccines. Back-to-school is a great time to get back on track. Use the checklist below to make sure your child is up to date on the vaccines required in Arkansas.
| Kindergarten to First Grade |
- DTAP
- Polio (IPV)
- MMR
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis A
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- Recommended: Flu
- Recommended: COVID-19
| Second to 12th Grade |
- DTAP
- Tdap
- Polio (IPV)
- MMR
- Hepatitis B
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- Meningitis
- Recommended: HPV
- Recommended: Hepatitis A
- Recommended: Flu
- Recommended: COVID-19
Vaccines are available at the doctor’s office, many pharmacies or your local health department, and most are covered by insurance. If you don’t have insurance or if your plan’s out-of-pocket costs for vaccines aren’t affordable, your children can still get vaccinated. The Vaccines for Children Program provides all recommended vaccines at no cost for children who qualify for Medicaid, don’t have insurance or can’t afford out-of-pocket insurance costs. Learn more about that program at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/vfc/index.html.If you and your family need help finding a doctor, a Community Health Worker can help. Community Health Workers connect people to health services and can help you find a doctor who is a good fit for your family. Visit nwa.uams.edu/chr/chw to get started.