Medical Experts On Importance Of Back-To-School Checkups, Vaccines

Students across Green Country are going back to school soon.

In our Oklahoma's Own Focus On Kids, we're taking a look at immunizations and the importance of a check-up with their pediatrician before returning to the classroom.

All children two months and older must have an immunization record on file or an exemption to attend childcare or public schools in Oklahoma.

Medical experts say the vaccines help protect children against measles, chickenpox, polio and more.

Doctors say parents should plan ahead to make sure their child has the required shots for their grade level.

"We all think, 'Oh, we've got all summer to do this, and then at the last minute, you're like, ' Wait a minute, summer's gone.' That happens to us all,” said Dr. Theresa Horton with Utica Park Clinic.

She says her office gets very busy at the beginning of August.

Horton says vaccines are vital in protecting children.

"Some people with the vaccine, you're still going to get a disease, but if we can keep it minimal, then that's absolutely fantastic because if you get polio but you only have a little diarrhea and you're not paralyzed, that's a great vaccination success," Dr. Horton said.

The Oklahoma Caring Van travels across the state, providing free immunizations for children who are uninsured or are Medicaid eligible. The van serves as many as 7,000 kids across the state.

Lisa Martin-Anderson with the Caring Van says it’s a part of community events throughout the summer to get kids immunized.

"It's very important for children in school so nobody has to miss school," she said. "They won't miss out on their education, and everybody stays healthy."

Dr. Horton says that in addition to making sure children get the right shots, back-to-school is also a great time for parents to schedule a yearly checkup for their child. She says pediatricians will look at the child's growth, cognitive development, diet, and sleep.

Dr. Horton says it's important to catch any potential health issues as early as possible.

"So there are oftentimes problems that can be picked up in a well check that parents may not even realize it's going on."

Dr. Horton says colleges also require some vaccines for incoming students, so parents should also schedule an appointment before their student moves on campus.

The Oklahoma Caring Van has 18 scheduled clinics in August in the Tulsa area: