Office Visit: Don’t Forget This on Your Back to School List

Office Visit: Don't Forget This on Your Back-to-School List

It may be hard to believe, but it's already time to send our children back to school.

The return of the school year can be an exciting and busy time for parents and students. During this chaotic time, don't forget to add a well-child visit and recommended immunizations on the back-to-school list.

The pandemic impacted many children missing check-ups and routine childhood immunizations. It's recommended for children to catch up on those vaccinations before returning to school, activities, childcare and beyond.

You can also learn more by scheduling a well-child visit with your pediatrician. Well-child visits are essential in helping track your child's growth and development milestones. It's also a good time to discuss any concerns about their health and receive scheduled vaccinations.

Make sure your children start off the school year right when it comes to their health.

Let's make it a good month!

Todd Hoffman, M.D., C.P.E., is chief medical officer of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, a division of Health Care Service Corp., a Mutual Legal Reserve Company.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month. This annual observance is to highlight the importance of routine vaccinations.

Well-child visits and recommended vaccinations help protect your child's health and wellness. Children who do not have these vaccines are more likely to be diagnosed with diseases like measles and whooping cough, which are extremely contagious and can develop into very serious illnesses.

The recommended vaccination schedule is an important tool that is based on decades of research on the child's immune system. Failing to get these immunizations puts greater dependence on other children or family members to get their vaccinations.

Talk to your pediatrician or family medical doctor if you are hesitant about vaccinations. Learn more about the recommended immunization schedule for Oklahoma.