In a context of rising infections such as measles and whooping cough in Canada and around the world, doctors say it is the ideal time for parents to ensure that their children and adolescents are protected against vaccine-preventable diseases.
“This is absolutely the time of year when families start thinking about their back-to-school checklists, like school supplies… healthy lunches, etc.”, explained Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, in an interview.
“Making sure your children are up to date with routine vaccinations is part of that checklist”, she assured, emphasizing that children will be mixing in classrooms again and that diseases can spread.
On Thursday, the New Brunswick Department of Health announced an outbreak of whooping cough, with 141 cases reported so far this year. The province has “strongly encouraged” parents to check their children’s vaccination status as the new school year approaches.
Whooping cough can be very serious and even fatal, especially for very young children, Ms. Tam stressed.
It can also significantly affect healthy children, adolescents, and adults, she added.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in vaccine hesitancy, fueled by misinformation circulating on social media, explained Dr. Laura Sauvé, elected president of the Canadian Pediatric Society.
“Some families have more questions about vaccines than before”, pointed out Ms. Sauvé, who is also a pediatric infectious disease specialist at the University of British Columbia.
Dr. Tam emphasized that if vaccines have been missed, it is never too late to receive them and that public health units and schools often organize catch-up programs.
She added that before heading to college or university and living in residence, students should obtain their vaccination record from their parents if they have it and ensure it is up to date.
A tetanus booster is required every 10 years, doctors say.
The start of the school year also means the arrival of fall, which marks the beginning of respiratory virus season, said Ms. Sauvé and Ms. Tam. It is recommended that anyone aged six months and older get vaccinated against the flu and consider an update for the COVID-19 vaccine.
There is currently no vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, in Canada for school-aged children.
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Nicole Ireland, The Canadian Press
Future Trends in Vaccination Awareness and Health Protection
As the world witnesses a resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles and whooping cough, the dialogue surrounding childhood immunization is more crucial than ever. With schools reopening, health experts emphasize the need for parents to prioritize vaccination for their children and adolescents.
Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, highlights that the back-to-school season is an opportune time for families to review their vaccination status. With children returning to classrooms, the potential for disease spread rises, making routine vaccinations a critical component of their health checklist.
Recent reports from New Brunswick indicate a worrying trend, with a significant outbreak of whooping cough prompting health officials to urge parents to verify their children’s vaccination records. This reflects a broader global pattern where vaccine hesitancy, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and misinformation on social media, has led to increased inquiries about immunization.
Adapting to these challenges, there is an expectation for enhanced educational outreach concerning vaccines. Health authorities will likely develop targeted strategies to engage communities, debunk myths, and provide factual information. Initiatives might include school programs aimed at raising awareness and accessibility to routine vaccinations, which could help mitigate rising infection rates.
Furthermore, the ongoing emphasis on respiratory health as the flu season approaches reinforces the importance of vaccines for illnesses such as influenza and COVID-19. It is anticipated that health recommendations will evolve, encouraging flu shots for everyone aged six months and above, alongside potentially updated COVID-19 vaccines.
However, there remains an unmet need in pediatric health—the absence of a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine for school-age children in Canada. Future trends may see increased investment in research and development for vaccines targeting this virus, especially as public health officials continue to reevaluate available protections for children.
Ultimately, the landscape of vaccination and public health is shifting. As families navigate these complex decisions, the role of healthcare providers in guiding and reassuring parents about the importance of timely immunizations will be pivotal in shaping healthier generations.