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Back-to-School Vaccinations: A Parent’s Guide

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Elizabeth Parker, Ph.D., MPH, Sr. Director - Principal Data Scientist Summer flies by every year, and before we know it, families need to prepare for the next school year. In addition to back-to-school shopping, parents should also consider vaccinations.

Importance of back-to-school vaccinations

Certain vaccines help protect young students as they return to classrooms. The CDC recommends these vaccines:
  • Flu
    • Flu (influenza) is a viral infection that affects your lungs’ airways.
  • Chickenpox
    • Chickenpox is a virus that causes severe skin infections.
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
    • Measles is an infection that starts with cold-like symptoms and a rash.
    • Mumps is an infection of the salivary glands that can cause a swollen jaw.
    • Rubella is a sickness that causes a spotty rash.
  • HPV (Human papillomavirus)
    • HPV is a family of viruses that can lead to wart-like bumps called papilloma or cancer.
  • Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)
    • Tetanus is a central nervous system condition that can be lethal.
    • Diphtheria is an infection of the nose and throat.
    • Pertussis is better known by its common name, “whooping cough.”It can cause severe coughing in adults and infection in young children, which can be fatal.
Vaccinating children helps keep those who can't get vaccinated safe, such as newborn babies or people with weakened immune systems. Vaccines make everyone in Arkansas healthier.

Why vaccinations are important now more than ever

At Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, we track health trends and keep an eye out for patterns. This helps us uncover insights that create better health outcomes for our state. Often, that means analyzing data when case numbers of dangerous diseases are on the rise. In spring 2024 in the U.S., the CDC reported 58 measles cases in 17 states. Measles is very contagious. Experts and federal health authorities know how rapidly the disease can spread. In 2023, national vaccination rates for MMR declined to 93.1% among kindergarteners. This means about 250,000 kindergarteners are at risk of infection. We must continue to vaccinate to protect our community. Together, we can ensure we remain measles-free in Arkansas in 2024. Arkansas does have its own history of outbreaks. In the 2016-17 school year, the state experienced a significant mumps outbreak with nearly 3,000 cases, many of them students. As a result, unvaccinated students were instructed to stay home for 26 days if exposed to the virus. The outbreak paused learning for many students. We want our children to be able to learn and enjoy their time at school and home without worrying about diseases. Vaccines are the best tool we have to lower our children’s risk. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, Arkansas is below the national average in all vaccinations. We encourage parents to speak with their pediatrician and pharmacist to determine the right vaccines for their child.

Getting vaccinated in Arkansas

As an Arkansas Blue Cross member, important vaccines may be free at your pharmacy. Children eligible for Medicaid or uninsured can also get free vaccines under the Vaccines for Children Program. Preventing a disease is easier and cheaper than treating one. Immunizations can protect you and your loved ones from serious diseases. It can also prevent the spread to others and reduce the severity of symptoms. To find a provider, visit our immunizations page.
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