Vaccine Tips: Tulsa & New Jersey's Back-to-School Immunization Initiatives

Tulsa , Oklahoma Encourages Back - to - School Vaccinations

As the school year approaches , families in Tulsa , Oklahoma , are gearing up to ensure their children are ready for the academic year , including vaccinations . According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health , there has been a slight decline in vaccination rates among kindergartners , dropping to 87.5 % last year from 89.5 % in 2022 . Dr. Robert Wittrock of Ascension St. Johns noted a mild increase in cases of measles and mumps , emphasizing the importance of keeping children up to date on their shots to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Wittrock highlighted the necessity for families to visit their local healthcare providers for routine vaccinations , especially as students prepare to return to school . He stressed the significance of varicella , TDAPT or DTaP , and measles , mumps , and rubella vaccines , which are essential for maintaining public health within school communities . While exemptions are allowed , districts require documentation to support any exemptions granted.

For families in need of vaccinations , the Tulsa Caring Vans will be available at the OSU - Tulsa Community Back - to - School bash on August 6 , 2024 , from 5 - 7 pm . Additionally , the vans will be visiting Seminole Hills Apartments on August 9 , 2024 , from 1 - 3 pm to provide free vaccinations for children . These initiatives aim to ensure that students are protected against preventable diseases as they return to school.

New Jersey Reinforces Vaccination Requirements for School Students

In New Jersey , the State Epidemiologist Dr. Tina Tan has reiterated the importance of vaccinations for students as the new school year approaches . Preschool and childcare students are required to be protected against 11 infectious diseases , while those in kindergarten through 12th grade must be safeguarded against nine diseases . The state also recommends that all students receive influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations starting at 6 months of age to promote a healthy school environment conducive to learning and growth.

In New Jersey , specific vaccines are mandated for preschool and K-12 students to enroll in school . Requirements include DTaP , polio , MMR , varicella , meningococcal , and Tdap vaccines , among others , to protect students from various diseases . The state allows for religious and medical exemptions for vaccination requirements , emphasizing the importance of maintaining herd immunity within school populations to prevent outbreaks of diseases.

As the debate continues on whether to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for school attendance , the New Jersey Department of Health currently recommends that students be up to date with age - appropriate vaccinations following CDC guidelines . Parents are encouraged to consult with healthcare providers to ensure their children are properly vaccinated as they prepare for the upcoming school year.