Parents have until the start of school to get their children vaccinated under new state rules.
Before starting school in the fall, 11-year-old children have to get one dose of meningococcal vaccine and one dose of Tdap— tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis vaccine. The Arizona Department of Health passed the rule in January. Several free vaccination clinics will be offered Aug. 2 around the Valley.
Reporter Megan Gordon wrote a story about the new requirements and what parents had to say about it. http://www.azcentral.com/specials/special44/articles/0717vaccines0720.ht...
Goodyear parent Shawn Watt commented:
“We have given our children all their vaccinations so far. We also reward them afterwards in some way for their bravery, whether it's some extra allowance, a special treat when they get home, or some other token along those lines. The hardest part for me definitely is watching them cry, especially when they were younger and didn't completely understand why they were being stuck with a needle. Watching my kids in pain is something that will never get easier.”
I remember when my oldest daughter was running around the doctor's office because she was afraid of getting her shot. I felt badly for her. But more recently I felt badly for my 45-year-old brother who came down with the mumps because he had not be vaccinated for them.
What do you think of this new requirement? Should kids who are not vaccinated be allowed to attend school?
Lori Baker is mom to two daughters, 21 and 24 years old. She is
editor for the Valley and State section's Education and Environment pages in the Arizona Republic.
Menningitis is very, very
Menningitis is very, very serious. I had no problem with my daughter getting this vaccination last month.
Working in the health office
Working in the health office of elementary schools, I've seen kids get diseases because they haven't been immunized. It's sad for both the kids and the parents. But there are parents who do not believe in immunizations. We all have our feelings and opinions about certain things. I happen to be of the belief that immunizations are a good thing. But I have talked to people who don't and I understand where they are coming from, too.
Paz