Vaccine reminders for back to school

As schools reopen, health experts stress which vaccines matter most this year.

The return of some diseases makes it important to get vaccines for young kids doctor says

As students head back to classrooms, health officials warn that outbreaks of measles and pertussis are still occurring. Vaccines have long controlled these diseases, but some families may see less risk when cases are not in the headlines. Pediatricians say it is a mistake to assume protection will last without regular shots.

The piece notes that parental hesitancy, sometimes fueled by gaps in recent cases, can undermine herd immunity. It also highlights rising exemptions for kindergarten vaccines and warns that lower vaccination rates increase the chance that diseases return to communities, especially in schools where children gather.

Public health work now hinges on trust as much as science. Clear, local messaging from trusted clinicians can help families navigate concerns without dismissing valid questions. The back to school moment becomes a test of whether health systems can sustain immunization habits amid misinformation and fatigue from years of health disruption.

Policy considerations loom large. Making vaccines a routine part of school health checks could improve coverage, but it may provoke political backlash or misinformed critiques. Communities should invest in accessible vaccination services and open dialogue with families to protect vulnerable infants and those with incomplete immunity.

Highlights

Vaccination remains a shield that communities must actively maintain.