D.C. Health focused on childhood vaccinations as the school year looms

D.C. officials on Thursday reminded families to ensure their children’s routine vaccinations are up to date before school starts in just over three weeks and announced changes intended to make verifying records simpler.Vaccination rates dipped during the coronavirus pandemic as many families avoided medical settings and have not yet rebounded, prompting the District to expand vaccine clinics and make it easier to submit forms. Children must be current on shots to attend schools in D.C.

The coronavirus vaccine is not required for school-age students, but Ana Caskin, medical director of school-based health centers at MedStar Medical Group, said many“I think families or individuals feel a little bit of pressure when they’re told that it’s a requirement as opposed to a choice. So we’re finding a lot of families are opting into the coronavirus vaccine in particular,” she said.

Officials said the best way to stay up to date with vaccinations is through well visits with children’s pediatrician, but they acknowledged that’s not possible for everyone. Children over 4 can get vaccinated at clinics at any school-based clinic, even if they are not enrolled at that school, and at mobile units at recreation centers.

“While you may have ended last year in compliance, this year starts; we’re actually starting all over. So this is really a clean slate and will continue to help families who are not in compliance,” he said.

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