MINNEAPOLIS — Parents will tell you that getting a kid ready for the school year is no small task. Buying new clothes, a new backpack, pencils and pens... it's all part of the prep that comes before day one in the classroom.
A Minnesota physicians group wants to add something else to the list - vaccinations.
The Minnesota Medical Association (MMA) points to three recent confirmed measles cases to emphasize the importance of childhood vaccinations in preventing outbreaks at school. MMA said in a news release Wednesday that children should receive two doses each of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine - the first dose at 12 to 15 months, and the second between the ages of 4 and 6.
“For all ages, it is important to talk to a physician to make sure you and your family are up to date on your immunizations,” says MMA President Laurel Ries, MD. “Diseases like measles have made a comeback because of low immunization rates. We thought we had these diseases beat years ago.”
Minnesota has a school immunization law designed to keep children healthy and protect against widespread community outbreaks of infectious diseases. To learn more check out the Minnesota Department of Health website.