Back-to-School Vaccine Supply | Pediatric Flu, RSV & Immunization Requirements

Stay prepared for school vaccination requirements with pediatric flu shots, RSV prevention, and combination vaccines. Order through FFF Enterprises

Teachers, parents, and students aren't the only ones concerned with checklists this time of year; healthcare providers understand their pivotal role in ensuring students receive necessary back-to-school vaccines to satisfy school immunization requirements as they return to classrooms.

FFF supports healthcare providers by ensuring access to needed vaccines through reliable distribution of flu vaccines, RSV products, and other required vaccines to protect against contagious diseases.

As noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), states and local areas set immunization requirements for their day care facilities and schools. Most vaccination laws apply to both public and private schools. The CDC notes that every state provides medical exemptions while some also include exemptions for philosophical and/or religious concerns.

The intention of these vaccination laws is to help keep the risk of contracting vaccine-preventable diseases low. This helps protect students at school, reducing illness and absenteeism throughout the school year.

CDC INFORMATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS:

The most common pediatric vaccines for schools include:

  • DTaP/Tdap (Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis)
  • Polio
  • Hib (Haemophilus Influenzae type b)
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B
  • Varicella
  • Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV)
  • Meningitis
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV)

The types of approved proof of immunization forms for school enrollment depend on each state. The CDC says these forms can include medical records, information from a state's Immunization Information System (IIS), a "certificate of immunization" issued by a state health department or doctor's office, or a health department or school form.

The Importance of Healthcare Providers for Vaccination

The CDC states that even vaccine-hesitant parents trust their child's healthcare professional to provide them with the best information regarding vaccines. Clear and effective communication is important in answering any questions and assuaging fears regarding vaccines.

Sam Mihelich, PharmD, IgCP, CSP, and clinical programs director for Nufactor, a specialty infusion company, understands the importance of immunization as a 14-year pharmacist as well as a father of a 5- and 6-year-old entering kindergarten and first grade.

"We don't have vaccines for everything. Where you do have a vaccine — for the flu, for example — you think about herd immunity," Mihelich said. "If everyone gets the vaccine, it's hard for the flu to spread through that classroom."

That also means it's not being spread back at home with older parents and whoever those parents encounter.

Mihelich's children received all the required vaccines before kindergarten. Their pediatrician sent their immunization records to the school.

"Listen to your pediatrician," Mihelich recommended. "It's helpful to have someone like a pediatrician to help settle any myths [about vaccines] that people might have picked up."

(Sidebar) Tips: How to talk to parents about vaccines, according to the CDC

As a pharmacist, Mihelich believes in the importance and efficacy of vaccines.

“Vaccines are safe. There’s virtually no risk,” he said.

The alternative is a sick child, which no parent wants to worry about.

“Everything kind of stops when they’re sick. You can’t have a normal day; you’re worried about your kid,” he said. “You never know when they’re going to get better. It’s just scary.”

Mihelich recalls a time when one of his kids developed a temperature of 104 degrees. He remembers being panicked while trying to drive home from a beach trip.

Even though all infections cannot be prevented, the worry that accompanies illness can sometimes be eliminated with the use of vaccines for some illnesses and diseases.

“If we can give them a proven way to prevent anything that would reduce the burden of their illness throughout their life, yeah, I’m going to do it,” he said.

Pediatric Flu Vaccines — Protecting Students During Respiratory Season

In addition to making sure children are up to date on required back-to-school immunizations, pediatric flu vaccines are important to add to the checklist. The CDC recommends annual influenza vaccination for people ages 6 months and older.

Children tend to be highly susceptible to flu transmission. Mihelich said this could potentially be because they’re in close quarters in their classrooms. He also noted that teachers tend to encourage a team environment, grouping tables next to each other. Lunchrooms also keep students close together.

Additionally, kids might not be cognizant and follow the same kind of hand-washing habits as their parents. They might not be coughing in their elbows, covering their mouths, and using tissues.

“With kids, it’s not really on their minds at all,” Mihelich said.

RSV Prevention for Infants and Toddlers

Mihelich said the RSV vaccine is recommended for infants born April through September in most of the continental US, unless the mother was vaccinated at the appropriate time during pregnancy. Children at high risk should get the RSV vaccine before the start of the second RSV season.

To learn more about RSV recommendations, visit the CDC site.

Let FFF help!

FFF encourages healthcare providers to review their supply needs for flu, RSV, and other required back-to-school vaccines. Contact FFF’s Wow! Customer Service team for ordering help!

Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational purposes only and reflects the opinions of the individuals quoted and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of FFF Enterprises, Inc.. The content in this article should not be construed as medical or legal advice. Providers and patients should consult applicable state laws, official public health resources, and their own healthcare professionals for guidance on vaccination decisions.