As the new school year approaches, parents often find themselves overwhelmed with back-to-school preparations. One of the most important things parents can do to prepare their children for success is to make sure they are up to date on their immunizations. Vaccines are one of the best ways to protect children from preventable diseases. Pediatricians play a significant role in ensuring that children receive the necessary immunizations on time. Below are some strategies pediatricians can use to encourage and facilitate vaccinations.
Strategies for Catch Up Vaccinations
- Communication Outreach
- Reminders and Notifications: Send reminders via phone calls, text messages, emails, or patient portals to alert parents about upcoming vaccination appointments or the need for catch-up vaccinations.
- Educational Materials: Provide educational brochures, posters, and handouts in the office and on the practice’s website or social media pages. Include information about the importance of vaccines, the diseases they prevent, and the recommended immunization schedule.
2. Educational Conversations
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- Address Concerns: During visits, take the time to discuss the benefits and safety of vaccines, addressing any concerns or misconceptions parents may have.
- Personalize Experience: Review each child’s immunization history and provide a personalized catch-up plan. This helps parents understand exactly what is needed and when.
3.Use of Technology
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- Online Scheduling: Making it convenient for parents to book vaccination appointments.
- Patient Portals: Providing families easy access to immunization records and educational resources.
By utilizing these strategies and others, pediatricians can help ensure that children are fully vaccinated and ready for a healthy school year. The key is to make the process as convenient, accessible, and informative as possible for parents and families.
Resources
Contact CPP at cpp@nationwidechildren.org to access and print CPP’s pediatric and adolescent immunization schedule. The CDC also has great resources for healthcare providers to encourage and help children get caught up on routine vaccines.