Back to School Immunization

Vaccinations for students are on “to do” lists for many families as their children prepare to return to the classroom, and Bartell Drugs is offering a convenient resource for vaccination needs during its “Back to School” immunization campaign.

“Children receiving their vaccinations in a timely manner is one of the most important items to check off as the start of school approaches,” said Billy Chow, Bartell Drugs’ Vice President of Pharmacy Operations and Clinical Services.

With 64 locations in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties, Bartell Drugs pharmacies offer several of the most important vaccinations for students, plus flu and other vaccines for the entire family. While appointments are not necessary, patients are encouraged to contact their local Bartell Drugs Pharmacist to check on vaccine availability or to get any additional information in advance.

Early and timely vaccinations can prevent unnecessary disease and illness. Chow notes that there are three key vaccinations before school begins – MMR, Varicella and Tdap. These are important immunizations that provide protection in the near term and into adulthood,” Chow said.

Recommended vaccinations for the back to school checklist include:
• MMR - Measles, mumps and rubella are three distinct airborne diseases that cause fevers, rash and can lead to serious complications. An additional dose of MMR vaccine is recommended for children between the ages of 4 and 6 years old.

• Varicella – Varicella virus, or Chickenpox, causes fevers and spotting on the skin that can be severe for people with compromised immune systems or unvaccinated adults. Like MMR, a second dose is recommended between the ages of 4 and 6 for children who have not yet had the disease.

• Tdap - Pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus and diphtheria are bacterial infections that can be life threatening. After the infant series, a shot of Tdap vaccine is recommended for preteens 11 or 12 years old.

These vaccines are recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and other medical societies.
The CDC also recommends annual flu vaccinations for all family members and Bartells “Back to School” initiative is a timely, one-stop opportunity for family members over 5 years of age to tackle the flu before the first school bell rings.
For more information on immunizations and other clinical services and Bartell Drugs locations, visit www.bartelldrugs.com.