Immunizations
Robin Brocato, M.D., Health Specialist, Head Start Bureau
One example of "back to basics" for the health component is immunization. Assessing a child's immunization status, working with parents to obtain immunizations for their child, and making sure a child's health record contains the most up-to-date information are all "basic" activities that are carried out by programs to protect children from contracting serious and sometimes deadly diseases.
Over the past few years there has been an increase in the number of outbreaks of preventable diseases among children, such as measles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that in 1992 the overall child vaccination rate in this country was 56%. While this is an increase from previous years, much more needs to be done so that all young children in this country are fully immunized.
The low immunization rates for young children are due to many factors, such as the cost of the vaccines, lack of a national tracking system to locate children who have not been immunized, confusion over what immunizations are needed for young children and when to get them, in convenient clinic operating hours for working parents, and lack of transportation to health care providers. Head Start programs are in a unique position within the community to help reduce these barriers to immunization since they very often have close working relationships with parents and health care providers. It is likely that some health care providers serve on Head Start Health Services Advisory Committees and may already be aware of the barriers faced by Head Start families as they attempt to immunize their children. Head Start programs can also ar range for transportation to a health provider or request that special immunization clinic hours be set aside for Head Start children. Programs can also encourage parents to bring along a child's younger siblings to be immunized at the same time as the Head Start child.
A very important "basic" activity for Head Start programs is keeping a child's health record complete, up-to-date, and in one place at all times. This allows a program to accurately assess the immunization status of each child, to identify children who have not been fully immunized, to identify barriers that might be preventing children from being immunized, to follow up on referrals, and to work with parents as needed. A regular review of child health records will also allow staff to contact providers who have immunized Head Start children but have not completed and returned the necessary referral information.
Following the above health component "basics" will ensure the health and well being of all children en rolled in Head Start.
Did Your Know ...
- Young children can drown in less than one inch of water in seconds?
- A child can fall out of a window that is open only five inches?
- Some children are needlessly burned because they believe clothes protect them from flames?
- Drinking mouthwash can cause a young child to fall into an alcoholic coma?
- In a crash at 30 mph, an unbelted child would hit the dashboard with as much force as a fall from a three-story building?
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