HEALTH + WELLNESS
story by Michael K. Foxworth, MD, HopeHealth
For more than a year schools have been disrupted because of the coronavirus pandemic and it is more important than ever to be prepared for getting back to school. Vaccination requirements, sleep schedules, anxieties, and nutrition are all areas that can benefit from a little summer planning.
• Beginning at age 11, the HPV vaccination is also recommended to protect against HPV infections that can cause cancer. A booster dose is recommended after 6-12 months.
“Summertime, before school starts, is a great time to make sure that vaccines are up to date and sports physicals and well-child checks are scheduled,” said Dr. Michael K. Foxworth II, a HopeHealth pediatrician in Florence.
Dr. Foxworth also recommends children age 12 and older get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Vaccinations Keeping your child’s vaccinations up to date is one of the best ways to protect their future and many schools require certain vaccines for admittance. Immunization requirements for school entry generally follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices guidelines. In South Carolina, that means: • Rising 7th graders are required to have received one dose of Tdap which protects from bacterial infections such as tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). • All 11- and 12-year-olds should also be vaccinated with a meningococcal conjugate vaccine (recommended booster dose at age 16.) 36
VIPMagSC.com
July 2021
• Teens and young adults (16-23 years) also may be vaccinated with a serogroup B meningococcal vaccine.
“The abundance of scientific evidence continues to support the facts: Vaccines are safe. Vaccines are effective. Vaccines save lives.” While the Moderna vaccine administered at HopeHealth is not yet approved for those younger than 18, the Department of Health and Environment Control online vaccine locator can help you find where to get your child vaccinated for COVID-19 in your community: vaxlocator.dhec.sc.gov. Sleep Schedule Getting back into a daily school routine is always important – and easier if you plan ahead and start adjusting your child’s sleep schedule a week or more before school starts, said Foxworth.
