Children First: Getting children vaccinated for school - KOTA Territory News

Children First: Getting children vaccinated for school

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It's been decades since smallpox, measles, mumps, and other diseases took a horrible toll; so long ago that we take it for granted that our kids will be just fine. That's why pediatricians have a few quick reminders for parents to make sure kids are on track with their immunizations.

Pediatricians say parents should do their homework before sending kids back to school this month. Homework that includes studying up on the types of vaccinations their children need, since each age group is different.

Although vaccines can prevent certain diseases, pediatricians say that doesn't mean an outbreak won't occur. More than 20,000 cases of pertussis or whopping cough were reported this year, according to the Center for Disease Control. Last year it was the measles that ran rampant in schools across the United States.

"Most of the time they'll get by without anything bad happening because enough of the population is immunized but it's hard for one of these diseases to get foothold and there are these parents refuse immunizations that are putting their own children at risk,' said Dr. Don Oliver of Black Hills Pediatrics.

Although the potential is still there Dr. Oliver says most parents can breathe easier knowing their little ones are better protected after receiving a vaccination.

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