The summer is starting to wind down and before you know it school is back in session.  As your patients are coming in for last minute physicals and immunizations, make sure you and your staff know which immunizations are required by visiting the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services’ (DHSS) immunizations for schools webpage.

This is also a great time to make sure each child you see has all of the CDC’s recommended vaccines, even those not required for school attendance, as hepatitis A and HPV vaccines.

Hepatitis A virus is one of the most common vaccine preventable disease individuals’ contract.   Hepatitis A vaccine is a series of 2 vaccines given at least six months apart.  HPV is a series of 2 vaccines if started before 15 years of age for healthy adolescents. This vaccine is highly effective at preventing infection from the HPV strains contained in the vaccine.  Two of the strains cause the most HPV related cancers.

As you see patients, make sure to assess for and recommend all of the vaccines your patient needs. If you encounter a parent who is hesitant or has concerns about vaccination, your recommendation will make a big difference in the choice that they make regarding vaccines.  Make sure your vaccination recommendation is clear, concise and consistent.  Address questions a parent may have then repeat the recommendation.  Most parents will make a vaccination decision solely on the recommendation of the provider.

If you do not offer vaccines consider sending your patients along with a prescription of what vaccines are needed, to the local public health agency or pharmacy.  Most of the local public health agencies in Missouri administer vaccines to children birth through 18 years of age.   Contact your local public health agency to see if vaccines are available for children in your county.  Another option for your patient maybe the local pharmacy, pharmacists in Missouri are licensed to administer vaccines to children 12 years of age and older.

This month, Health is Primary is focusing on prevention and highlighting the role of primary care in promoting health and preventing disease. We are promoting patient information on immunization and sharing the facts about health behaviors in America.  More information is available here.

If you need more information on immunizations or immunization resources please visit the DHSS immunizations webpage today or contact the Bureau of Immunizations at 573-751-6124.