Taking the Mystery Out of Vaccinations

With the beginning of a new school year, some families may have questions about what vaccinations and boosters are required, and whether they’re safe and effective.

Rishika Singh, MD, a pediatrician with Washington Township Medical Foundation, said that doctors follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) vaccine schedule, and the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) required list to attend school. Her office has been busy seeing children for back-to-school physicals, and making sure vaccinations are updated. This is especially important for students going to transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, seventh grade, and for transferring students—when updated immunization records are required.

“Vaccinations are a very important part of keeping your child, and everyone else, healthy,” Dr. Singh noted. Diseases that were once eradicated–like polio and measles--are occasionally being seen in the United States, possibly due to the decrease in vaccination intake. Dr. Singh added that measles, for example, is so serious and contagious that children can get sick just by being in a room that an ill person had left, because germs can linger.

Time-tested, Safe and Effective Vaccines

Dr. Singh reassures families of her patients that vaccines are safe. “Most vaccines have been around a very long time and are extremely safe and effective, with few side effects,” she said.

Several of the vaccines can be combined in one shot, like measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV); and diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTaP) given with polio (IPV). This eliminates the need for children to get multiple needle sticks.

Dr. Singh conceded to the possibility that a child could be allergic to a certain type of vaccine, but those cases are exceedingly rare. “Vaccines really are very safe,” she emphasized. If families have a question or safety concern about getting their child vaccinated, they should talk to their pediatrician.

“There are also a few vaccinations that aren’t required, but are recommended,” explained Dr. Singh. She often consults with families on immunizing children against hepatitis A, which comes from contaminated food, water or a contagious person; and the human papillomavirus (HPV), which comes from sexual contact. The meningitis vaccine is also recommended at ages 11 and 16. Some colleges are requiring this vaccine.

Children who have received their required vaccinations since birth, will likely only need a booster or additional vaccine or two. If children aren’t current on their vaccinations, families should ask their pediatrician about a plan to get up to date.

Most patients have received the necessary vaccinations on schedule since birth, but occasionally Dr. Singh will see a child who hasn’t had any. “The child can still go to school, as long as they start the shots right away and continue to get the necessary vaccinations on an accelerated schedule. They can be monitored by their pediatrician and school nurse to make sure they receive all necessary vaccinations.”

Required Vaccinations

The CDPH requires three groups of students to have an updated vaccination record to attend school.

• Children entering transitional kindergarten or kindergarten
• Students starting seventh grade
• Students who are new to a school

Vaccinations needed for transitional kindergarten or kindergarten:

• Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTaP, DTP, Tdap or Td) – five doses. The CDPH says four doses are OK if one was given on or after a child’s 4th birthday; three doses are all right if one was given on or after a child turned 7 years old.
• Polio (IPV or OPV) – four doses. The CDPH allows three doses if one was given on or after a child’s 4^th birthday. Oral doses of the polio vaccine given after April 1, 2016, aren’t eligible.
• Hepatitis B – three doses.
• Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) – two doses. Both doses must be given on or after a child’s first birthday.
• Varicella (chickenpox) – two doses.

For Seventh grade:

• Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap) – one dose.
• Varicella (chickenpox) – two doses.

For new students entering all grades:

• Proof of all immunizations listed above.

Recommended Non-required Vaccines

Dr. Singh noted that other vaccinations aren’t required but are recommended for families to consider, including hepatitis A and COVID; HPV, at age 11 and up; meningitis, at age 11 and 16; and a flu shot, which will be given later this year when the new vaccine for the year 2024-2025 comes out. While she said most children aren’t sexually active at 11, giving the vaccine at this age will protect them through their teen years.

She also recommends that school-age children have annual wellness exams to make sure that their growth and development are on track, along with a mental health screening for teenagers, who often suffer from anxiety and depression.

For more information about Dr. Singh, view her profile on the WTMF page, mywtmf.com/find-a-doctor/rishika-singhmd/