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Back to School Vaccinations:
A Lesson in Prevention
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Chickenpox
Now you can vaccinate against chickenpox...before it sends you and your child home.
New VARIVAXR (Varicella virus vaccine live) [Oka/Merck]
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For individuals 12 months of age and older.
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Frozen storage of lyophilized vaccine required to maintain potency.
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Must be administered within 30 minutes of reconstitution.
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The duration of protection of VARIVAX is unknown at present and the need for booster doses is not defined.
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Vaccination with VARIVAX may not result in protection of all healthy, susceptible children, adolescents, and adults.
Influenza Vaccine
The flu season will soon be upon us. Let your physician know early if you would like to be vaccinated.
Measles
The introduction of the measles virus vaccine in 1963 dramatically decreased the morbidity and mortality associated with the disease; however, outbreaks of measles still persist today. In the early 1980's, cyclical patterns of measles outbreaks were seen. On the basis of these epidemiologic data, vaccination schedules were reevaluated. During a measles outbreak, exposure to measles does not preclude vaccination. Measles vaccine administered within 72 hours of exposure provides protection and prevention. Vaccination guidelines may be altered to allow for vaccination of patients as young as 6 months old. Parents should inform their physicians if their child has been exposed.
Tetanus
Tetanus boosters should be given regularly every ten years.
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