Vaccination Resource Center
IMPORTANCE OF VACCINATIONS
Childhood vaccination is essential because it helps provide immunity before students are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases. Pediatricians have seen a sharp decrease in vaccinations since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, a trend that could lead to outbreaks, severe illness, and even death. Unvaccinated students face higher risks of contracting diseases like measles, whooping cough, flu, COVID-19, and hepatitis B, and potentially spreading these diseases to other students or families, particularly those who may lack immunity because of medical conditions or lack of vaccinations. Beyond the immediate risk of hospitalization, these illnesses often result in extended absences from school, jeopardizing students’ academic progress and increasing the likelihood of dropping out. Ensuring that students and educators are up to date with their vaccinations is one of the most effective strategies to prevent serious but preventable diseases and promote both health and academic success.
THE NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION STRONGLY SUPPORTS VACCINATIONS
The National Education Association’s policy on vaccinations is clear. The Association believes that educators, parents/guardians, and students should follow vaccination guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). State legislatures should establish clear guidelines for waivers that minimize the numbers of unvaccinated students to those necessary due to documented medical conditions.
We have compiled information on this site to facilitate understanding, advocacy, and action around vaccinations, because vaccines are essential medical tools for preventing infectious diseases, and they must be pervasive to effectively protect society. Evidence-based vaccination campaigns are integral in maintaining student and community health.
VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS AND VACCINE AVAILABILITY
The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) and Immunize.org provide handy ways to find state-by-state school-related vaccination requirements.
To find vaccines, you can visit this American Public Health Association (APHA) site.
CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION VACCINATION INFORMATION
The CDC provides crucial information on the importance of vaccinations. “Different vaccines work in different ways, but every vaccine helps the body’s immune system learn how to fight germs,” they note. “It typically takes a few weeks for protection to develop after vaccination, but that protection can last a lifetime. A few vaccines, such as those for tetanus or seasonal flu, require occasional booster doses to maintain the body’s defenses.”
Among the reasons to vaccinate, the CDC says, are that vaccines strengthen the immune system to protect and fight against diseases, vaccines are safe, highly effective, and an easy way to keep your family healthy. You can find more from the CDC on why to vaccinate kids on their site. They also make recommendations for adults.
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS IMMUNIZATION RESOURCES
The AAP provides material on immunizations, including on safety, free immunizations when cost is a barrier, and the risks and benefits of vaccines.
They also provide a link to detail on recommended immunization schedules.
The AAP says—and NEA agrees wholeheartedly:
“Today, most children in the United States lead much healthier lives and parents live with much less anxiety and worry over infections during childhood. Immunizations are one of the success stories of modern medicine.”
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL NURSES VACCINATION SUPPORT
The National Association of School Nurses (NASN) provides helpful resources related to vaccinations, including a model letter for parents and links to learning center programs.
COMMUNICATING MORE EFFECTIVELY ABOUT VACCINES
The Public Health Communications Collaborative developed a helpful guide for communicating about vaccines. “Communicating clearly about vaccines helps people make important and informed decisions about their health,” they note. “However, vaccines are an increasingly contentious topic, and messages that once encouraged vaccination are proving to be less effective.”
The Collaborative also prepared this concise document on the process behind the development of many common vaccines.
Vaccinate Your Family provides helpful resources and FAQs on the safety and effectiveness of vaccines.
