Back to School Immunizations: What Your Child Needs

Back-to-School Vaccines: Pediatrician Discusses Essential Immunizations for Kids

Protecting your children’s health as thay return to the classroom requires staying current on vaccinations. A recent discussion with a pediatrician from Manning Family Children’s, held at the LCMC Health Wellness Lounge, highlighted the critical immunizations needed to ensure a safe and healthy school year. This guidance comes as families prepare for the 2025-2026 academic year.

The Importance of Back-to-School Vaccinations

As August 13, 2025, approaches, parents are increasingly focused on preparing thier children for the return to school. beyond supplies and schedules, ensuring children are up-to-date on their vaccines is paramount. Vaccinations not onyl protect individual students but also contribute to the overall health of the school community, preventing outbreaks of preventable diseases.

Did you know? – Vaccinations work by training the body’s immune system to recognise and fight off harmful diseases. This protection can last a lifetime, reducing the risk of serious illness.

Recommended Vaccines for Students

The pediatrician from Manning Family Children’s emphasized the importance of reviewing each child’s vaccination record with their healthcare provider. While specific needs vary based on age and prior vaccinations, several key immunizations are commonly recommended before the start of school. These include:

• DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis): A booster is often required for school entry.
• Polio: Ensuring completion of the polio vaccine series is crucial.
• MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella): Two doses of the MMR vaccine are typically required.
• Varicella (Chickenpox): Two doses are generally needed for protection.
• Influenza (flu): An annual flu vaccine is recommended for all children six months and older.

“Staying current on vaccinations is one of the most effective ways to protect your child and their classmates from serious illness,” a pediatrician stated during the LCMC Health Wellness Lounge discussion.

Pro tip: – Keep a personal record of your child’s vaccinations. This makes it easier to share details with schools, doctors, and childcare providers.

Staying Informed and Accessing Resources

Parents are encouraged to consult with their child’s pediatrician to determine the specific vaccinations needed. Resources are also available through the Louisiana Department of Health and local health clinics.

The information shared on August 13, 2025, by the pediatrician at Manning Family Children’s serves as a vital reminder of the ongoing importance of preventative healthcare. Prioritizing vaccinations is a proactive step parents can take to ensure a healthy and prosperous school year for their children.

Reader question: – What are your biggest concerns about sending your child back to school this year, and how do you plan to address them?

News Report Additions (Why, Who, What, How it ended):

Why: The pediatrician from Manning Family Children’s held a discussion at the LCMC Health Wellness Lounge to address the importance of back-to-school vaccinations as the 2025-2026 academic year approaches. The goal was to inform parents about the necessary immunizations to protect their children and the wider school community from preventable diseases.

Who: the key participants were a pediatrician from Manning Family Children’s, LCMC Health, the Louisiana Department of Health, and parents preparing their children for school.

What: The pediatrician emphasized the importance of reviewing vaccination records and recommended key immunizations including DTaP, Polio, MMR, Varicella, and the annual flu vaccine. The discussion highlighted that vaccinations protect both individual students and the school community.

How it ended: The discussion concluded with a call to action for parents to consult their child’s pediatrician and