Health providers remind parents to vaccinate their students before school starts

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTUU/KTVF) - School is soon to start once again in Alaska which means younger kids entering the school system will be in need of getting their vaccinations.

Dr. Getchen LaSalle, a family physician said it’s important to “make sure they’re up to date on their vaccinations before heading into school,” to avoid last minute appointments.

She also said it takes a couple of weeks for children to build up immunity after receiving a vaccine.

By getting those vaccinations before school starts, it reduces the risk of a child contracting preventable disease during the school year.

“Our 4-to-6-year old’s when they’re first starting kindergarten or first grade, have a variety of vaccines that they need to be caught up on, so they’re prepared to enter school in a healthy way and not have to miss school due to vaccine preventable illness,” LaSalle said.

Those vaccines include diphtheria, tetanus, chickenpox, polio, whooping cough, measles, mumps and rubella.

Additionally, there are seasonal vaccines to consider as well, such as the flu and Covid-19 vaccines.

“The very large majority of physicians and scientists still stand very firmly behind our traditional vaccines and our seasonal vaccines -- it’s the best way to keep kids safe and healthy throughout the school year,” said LaSalle.

For those looking to get their child vaccinated, a pediatrician or family doctor can provide those services as well as local public health centers.

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