Back to school: don’t forget vaccinations

As children get ready to head back to the classroom, it’s the perfect time for parents and carers in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire to make sure they’re protected from preventable illnesses. Alongside school shoes and stationery, vaccinations should be high on the back-to-school checklist.

Vaccinations are a safe and effective way to keep children healthy and stop the spread of diseases in schools and communities. Some vaccines are offered in school at different ages, while others are available through your GP.

Here’s what parents need to know:

Routine vaccinations for school-aged children:

Ages 4 to 16 (Reception to Year 11):

• Flu vaccine – given every autumn or early winter to protect against seasonal flu. It also helps stop the spread of flu to others in the family and community. A porcine-free vaccine is available.

Ages 12 to 13 (Year 8):

• HPV vaccine – some types of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) can increase the risk of certain types of cancers. HPV is spread through skin contact the HPV vaccine can offer protection in both girls and boys.

Ages 13 to 14 (Year 9):

• 3-in-1 teenager booster – protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and polio.
• MenACWY vaccine – protects against four types of meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning).
• MMR status check – make sure your child has had both doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, especially before heading to college or university.

Some groups, including certain school-aged children and those with health conditions, may be offered a COVID-19 booster during the year. You can find out who is eligible online.

Dr Rachel Gallyot, Chief Medical Officer of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent explains, “Vaccinations are one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect children from serious illnesses.

As a doctor and a parent, I can’t stress enough how important it is to keep up to date with routine immunisations – especially as children head back to school and mix with others.

Checking your child’s vaccination status now can prevent avoidable illness later on.”

Visit Vaccinations for school-age children – Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, ICS to see the schedule of what vaccines are coming up for your child this year. Don’t forget to check if your child is up to date on both doses of their MMR vaccination by speaking to your GP, visiting the NHS app or on the NHS vaccinations website.

Adults can also check their own vaccination records there too.

Let’s give our children the healthiest start to the school year!