Little coughs, fevers, and runny noses can be quite alarming.

A sick child can pull at the heartstrings, especially during the school year. To prepare ahead of time, doctors recommend that parents verify whether their children’s routine vaccinations are current before school starts.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children should begin vaccinations for 15 serious diseases before they reach the age of 2, which includes yearly shots for influenza and COVID-19.

Although most of these vaccines are administered during regular checkups, some pediatric patients are still behind due to interruptions caused by the pandemic. Health professionals advise parents to ensure their kids are fully vaccinated before they begin school.

“It’s essential for parents to understand that these diseases still exist, even if we don’t see them often. … They are still a risk,” said Dr. Kisha Davis, Chief Health Officer for Montgomery County, Maryland. “Consult your primary care provider about the appropriate vaccines for your child’s age and stage.”

Addressing the Vaccination Gap for Children

Since its inception in 1994, the Vaccines for Children program has led to a notable rise in vaccinations, although the pandemic hindered some of this progress.

As of 2021, 92% of U.S. children under 2 had received vaccinations for measles, mumps, and rubella, which is below the federal goal of 95% achieved during the 2019-20 school year, according to the CDC. A report in November 2023 indicated that vaccination rates for kindergarteners are still lower than pre-pandemic levels nationally.

Across the country, schools require specific vaccinations for children to attend, but adherence to these mandates decreased during the pandemic. Rather than attending school in person, students were participating in virtual classes at home, minimizing the risk of disease spread.

Davis, who also serves as a board member for the American Academy of Family Pediatrics, stated, “During that time, ensuring students had meals and access to laptops became more critical than pushing for vaccinations.”

The pandemic caused interruptions in routine wellness visits, when children typically receive their vaccinations, according to Dr. Glenn Fennelly, a pediatrics professor at Texas Tech Health in El Paso. Some children are still in the process of catching up on missed vaccinations.

Furthermore, vaccine hesitancy has risen since the pandemic, leading to more states permitting non-medical exemptions for vaccinations. During the 2022-23 school year, 41 states saw an increase in families requesting vaccine exemptions, with over 5% in 10 states, according to the CDC.

Recent measles outbreaks—an extremely contagious disease that can be prevented through vaccination—underscore the necessity of maintaining high vaccination rates.

At least 13 outbreaks have been documented in 2024, including one at a Florida elementary school earlier this year. Out of 219 reported cases this year, 40% were in children younger than 5 years, and 87% involved unvaccinated individuals or those with unclear vaccination status.

“These diseases are severe,” Fennelly noted. “It’s a worrying trend.”

Key Information for Parents Regarding Routine Vaccinations

Most vaccines are administered in several doses according to a specific schedule, helping to shield against illnesses such as hepatitis B, rotavirus, diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, Hib, pneumococcal disease, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, and hepatitis A.

Some vaccines are combined in a single vial, allowing multiple protections from different diseases in one shot series. For instance, children need only one series to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella, while diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis are also combined into a single shot series.

Different vaccinations are given at specific ages based on studies showing when the vaccine is most effective, according to Davis. However, experts say that if a child misses their scheduled vaccinations, there are catch-up options available.

Parents are encouraged to discuss with their family doctor or pediatrician to devise an effective vaccination schedule.

“Your primary care provider’s responsibility is to manage your health within your context,” Davis emphasized. “It’s important to rely on them—together, we can find a solution.”

Influenza and COVID-19 Vaccinations

Childhood vaccinations are generally needed only once in a lifetime. Nevertheless, doctors also emphasize the importance of keeping up with annual vaccines.

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices advises all individuals aged 6 months and older to receive routine seasonal flu vaccines targeting the main three influenza A strains from the previous winter.

“Our primary recommendation for protecting yourself and loved ones from respiratory illnesses is to get vaccinated,” stated Dr. Mandy Cohen, Director of the CDC. “Plan now to ensure you and your family receive both the updated flu and COVID vaccines this fall, before the respiratory virus season begins.”

Similar to flu vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines are also recommended for children 6 months and older. In early June, an advisory panel from the Food and Drug Administration suggested that this season’s COVID vaccines should target the JN.1 variant of SARS-CoV-2.

While JN.1 was the most prevalent strain last winter, its subvariants—collectively referred to as FLiRT—accounted for many summer cases. As of August 16, the subvariant KP.3.1.1 comprised nearly 28% of COVID cases in the U.S., with KP.3 forming over 20% of cases.

According to recent updates from the CDC, the FDA has advised vaccine producers to also focus on the JN.1 sub-variant KP.2.

The FDA is anticipated to authorize the vaccine shortly. The country’s two largest pharmacy chains, Walgreens and CVS, informed YSL News that they expect to receive shipments of the vaccines within a few days following the approval.

Typically, older children can receive their vaccinations at local pharmacies; however, most pharmacies do not provide vaccinations for children under 3 years old. Davis recommended that parents consult with their healthcare providers regarding vaccination options for younger children at their doctor’s office.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus, RSV

The latest vaccine introduced is designed to protect against respiratory syncytial virus, commonly known as RSV.

RSV is a respiratory virus that affects the lungs and breathing passages, including the nose and throat. The CDC estimates that each year, approximately 58,000 children under 5 are hospitalized due to RSV in the U.S., with several hundred fatalities.

The monoclonal antibody named Beyfortus, produced by Sanofi and AstraZeneca, had a challenging launch last year.

This vaccine is recommended for infants 8 months and older entering their first RSV season and can also be administered to 8- to 19-month-old children at greater risk of severe illness if they are entering their second RSV season.

In the United States, the RSV season typically begins in September and continues through January. According to the CDC, Beyfortus has been proven to decrease the likelihood of RSV hospitalizations and healthcare visits in infants by roughly 80%.

Last year, health officials had to revise their recommendations regarding eligibility for the infant vaccination amid a drug shortage that aligned with a rise in RSV cases.

At that time, Sanofi attributed the shortage to “unprecedented demand” for the vaccine but has now informed YSL News that its expanded manufacturing capabilities will more than double the available doses this year, which should be prepared by October.

It’s vital to highlight that RSV vaccinations will not be available at pharmacies; therefore, healthcare experts advise parents to discuss with their children’s doctors and devise a strategy for obtaining the vaccine as soon as their children qualify.