August 8, 2024 – (EAST TEXAS) – As students prepare to head back to classrooms, CHRISTUS Health is stressing the importance of immunizations and physical exams for a healthy start to a new school year.
Texas law requires children to be vaccinated against several diseases before attending school, including MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), hepatitis B, and DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis), among others. Although there are exemptions, Texas Health and Human Services encourages parents to vaccinate their children according to age-appropriate immunization timelines.
“Immunizations are very important — their importance cannot be overstated,” said Don Roseberry, physician assistant – certified with CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic. “Not only do they reduce the length and severity of illness when we contract them, but they also are shown to decrease death rates for diseases.”
Roseberry said when students return to school, they are exposed to other children and to whatever illnesses those children have been exposed to.
It is recommended that parents who have questions about their child’s immunization records contact their local health care provider or reach out to their school nurse for guidance.
“Most children entering a school setting will already have had a series of vaccines addressed by their pediatricians or family doctors before getting to school,” Roseberry said. “If not, the Centers for Disease Control does have a ‘catchup’ schedule that can be used to bring a child up to date.”
Roseberry said physical exams and a healthy diet also are important before the new school year begins and encourages parents and students to adjust their sleep schedule ahead of the new school year.
The Sleep Foundation recommends school age kids get between 9 and 12 hours of sleep a day, while teenagers should get a recommended 8 to 10 hours.
“Kids should have a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables to provide adequate energy for the day, make sure to stay hydrated and aim for a healthy amount of sleep,” he said. “These are basic things that can really help the body stay healthy.”
###
