Vaccine Questions? Here’s What to Know About Back-to-School Immunizations
James Grant, M.D.
| 3 min read
James D. Grant, M.D., is senior vice president and c...
Key Takeaways
- Parents should schedule back-to-school physical exams and vaccinations now to avoid the rush, with state law requiring updated immunization certificates for students entering kindergarten, seventh grade or new districts.
- Required vaccinations for Michigan students include DTP, polio, MMR, hepatitis B and varicella for kindergarten, with additional shots needed for seventh grade.
- Additional recommended vaccines, such as flu shots, HPV and meningococcal B, can help protect children and teens against serious diseases.
Even though we’re still in the middle of summer break, now is a good time to get your kids’ back-to-school physical exams scheduled. Getting these appointments on the books now means one less thing you’ll have to do when the back-to-school rush comes.
If you have a child or teenager in public school entering kindergarten or seventh grade or enrolling in a new district in any grade, state law requires every student to have an updated certificate of immunization. And if you have a kid heading off to college, additional vaccines are recommended.
There’s been a lot of news and discussion during the last year about different disease outbreaks and related vaccines. It can be hard to keep track of it all, so here’s a quick guide to immunizations needed or recommended for children and adolescents in Michigan.
Required for students entering kindergarten (and transfer students ages 4 – 6)
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTP, DTaP, Tdap): Four doses DTP or DTaP, one dose must be at or after 4 years of age
- Polio: Four doses, or three doses if dose three was given on or after 4 years of age
- Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR): Initial dose typically given between 12 to 15 months of age and the second between 4 to 6 years of age
- Hepatitis B: three doses
- Varicella (chicken pox): Initial dose typically given between 12 to 15 months of age and the second between 4 to 6 years of age, or current lab immunity or history of varicella disease
Required for students entering seventh grade (and transfer students ages 7 – 18)
In addition to the vaccinations noted above, students should have:
- DTP, DTaP, Tdap: One dose of Tdap at 11 years of age or older upon entry into seventh grade or higher
- Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY): One dose at 11 years of age or older upon entry into seventh grade or higher
Additional recommended vaccines
While some vaccines are not required in public schools, they are recommended to help protect your child or teen and others against serious diseases or illnesses. Talk with your primary care provider (PCP) to learn more and decide whether these vaccines are right for your child or teen.
- Influenza/flu shot: Recommended yearly for those ages 6 months and older
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV): HPV can lead to many types of cancer later in life, including cancers of the cervix, vagina, penis, anus and throat. Two or three doses, beginning at 11 or 12 years of age
- Meningococcal B: Meningitis B is a highly contagious, fast-spreading infection of the brain, spinal cord or bloodstream and can cause seizures and death. The vaccine is recommended for people living in close quarters such as college dorms or the military. Two doses beginning at age 16, 17 or 18.
- Hepatitis A: This is a viral infection of the liver that can cause liver failure or death. Two doses from 12 to24 months of age or anyone 2 to 18 years who has not been vaccinated.
Immunizations are powerful tools that help prevent many dangerous diseases and lessen the spread of some harmful, contagious illnesses. When a majority of students are vaccinated and have immunity against a disease, it is less likely that the disease will spread. This protects not only your child, but other classmates, teachers and school workers and their families.
It’s OK to have questions or concerns about vaccines and what’s best for your child. Talk with your child’s PCP to help make the decision that is right for your family.
Image: Getty Images
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