Back to School 2022: A New and Brighter Year for Oregon’s Kids
It’s that time of year again! As kids and teens return to school, it is critical that families check their health records. Are your kids up-to-date with all recommended vaccines, including COVID-19?
Let’s start the new school year in the best way possible by ensuring that our kids are protected against dangerous diseases. The routine vaccines required for children to attend school are listed below. (1) Required vaccine doses vary by age and how long ago a child was vaccinated. Please check with your child’s school, certified child care facility, or healthcare provider for more details.
Preschool, child care or Head Start:
4 doses - Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (DTaP)
3 doses - Polio
1 dose - Varicella (chickenpox)
1 dose - Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR)
3 doses - Hepatitis B
2 doses - Hepatitis A
3 or 4 doses - Hib
Kindergarten and grades 1-6:
5 doses - Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (DTaP)
4 doses - Polio
1 dose - Varicella (chickenpox)
2 doses - Measles
1 dose - Mumps
1 dose - Rubella
2 doses - Hepatitis A
3 doses - Hepatitis B
Grades 7-12:
5 doses - Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (DTaP)
1 dose - Tdap
4 doses - Polio
1 dose - Varicella (chickenpox)
2 doses - Measles
1 dose - Mumps
1 dose - Rubella
2 doses - Hepatitis A
3 doses - Hepatitis B
Need an easy and convenient way to organize your child’s vaccine information? Keep track of your child’s vaccines with our useful and informative Vaccine Fact Pack and Tracker! Flu vaccines are usually available by October, so make a plan now for your family to protect against the flu (some pediatric practices now offer flu vaccines to all family members).
As a reminder, COVID-19 vaccines are now available for all children ages 6 months and older. Read our latest fact sheet and find other COVID-19 resources here. New formulations of COVID-19 vaccines are expected this fall to respond better to the Omnicron strain, but if any of your family members is due for a primary booster shot now, don’t wait. The existing vaccines provide high protection against hospitalizations. (2)
Is your child missing one or more vaccines? Contact your pediatrician, medical practice, or county public health clinic to schedule a vaccine appointment.
Sources:
Oregon Health Authority: https://www.multco.us/school/school-immunizations
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia: https://www.chop.edu/news/health-tips/should-my-child-get-covid-19-vaccine
