Managing Infectious Diseases: Immunizations

Managing Infectious Diseases: Immunizations

Danette Glassy: Hello. I’m Dr. Danette Glassy. I’ll be your host for this episode of Keeping Them Safe.

Today’s topic is preventing infectious diseases. In this video, we’ll cover preventing the spread of disease through immunizations. Most states, territories, tribes, and local health departments have legal requirements regarding immunizations for children who attend early care and education programs. Babies and young children are at an especially high risk for complications for many diseases that can be prevented through immunizations. These diseases include flu, measles, and whopping cough. Some of the worst illnesses children can get are not seen so much anymore because of our immunizations.

Caring for Our Children addresses immunizations recommendations for early care and education programs. First, programs can require parents or guardians to provide written documentation that their child has received all recommended immunizations. Next, infants and young children should be immunized according to the recommended immunization schedule. This resource was developed in part by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Center for Disease Control. Finally, it may be helpful to have a public health nurse or health consultant review children’s health records regularly to identify when children need their next immunizations or boosters, so you can update your records.

Caring for Our Children also addresses situations where there are children who have not been immunized. The standards state sometimes children have an exemption from vaccines. There should be written documentation of this from the child’s physician in their records. Be aware of your state’s requirements for immunization waivers or exemption policies.

Caring for Our Children addresses the immunizations of caregivers and teachers by saying: All staff should be current in their immunizations. A provider could potentially infect an infant or vulnerable child with the flu or whooping cough. These are diseases that may cause hospitalization or even death. Any staff member who has a medical, religious, or philosophic exemption must submit written documentation to be kept in their records. For more information on adult immunizations, please visit the Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule in Caring for Our Children. If you want to find materials on this topic, be sure to check out the resources for staff and families on the video page.

Before we close, I have a couple of questions for you to consider. First, what system, policies and procedures do you have in place to ensure staff and children are up to date on immunizations? Second, how do you ensure that your program is up to date on requirements and guidelines established at the local or State level?

Thanks for joining me on this episode of Keeping Them Safe. Remember: The more you learn, the safer they are.