The item you don’t want to forget to add to your child’s school supplies list
School is almost back in session and while you’re stocking up on the pens, paper, and backpacks for your children, remember to put vaccinations on the list.
“So all the children right now between ages 4-5 and 18 are going back to their elementary school, middle school, high school. They’ve been out of the country, they’ve been exposed to different infections and friends and you know some have gone out of the country and so it’s important to update the vaccinations because they’ve been exposed to different diseases like measles, pertussis,” said physician at Shelley Family Medical Center, Travis Erickson D.O.
When you think of a visit to the doctor, the possible cost of the visit alone can be discouraging, however, when it comes to vaccines for children, there is no need to fear the cost.
“All child vaccines are covered by insurance, so there’s no co-pay, there’s no payment for these patients,” said Erickson.
According to Easter Idaho Public Health, Idaho is a vaccine for children state, which means no child will be denied immunization services based on an inability to pay.
Unvaccinated individuals run the risk of getting a disease themselves and then spreading it to others who are at higher risk like pregnant women and newborn babies.
“I really think that it’s important that you sit down with your physician, your primary care physician and just say what do I need? What am I at risk for? What am I missing? And then you can kind of make a game plan,” advises Erickson.
The vaccinations your child needs depends on their age. To get that information, speak with your primary care physician or ask your child’s school for a list.
“If you’re on the side of the fence that you don’t want to be vaccinated at the minimum talk to your physician, your primary care physician and go through the risk and benefits, kind of make it a group decision,” said Erickson.
You can get your child vaccinated at your primary care physician, public health clinics (like Eastern Idaho Public Health), or even some pharmacies.
