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President Trump proposes a tariff on foreign films, communities celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, and severe weather threatens parts of the U.S., while states tackle issues from retirement savings and air pollution to measles outbreaks and clean energy funding.

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Canada's PM doubles down on country's independence. Trump refuses to say who has due process rights. The DOJ sues several states over climate laws, and Head Start cuts jeopardize early childhood education in MI.

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Rural students who face hurdles going to college are getting noticed, Native Alaskans may want to live off the land but obstacles like climate change loom large, and the Cherokee language is being preserved by kids in North Carolina.

Experts: Catch Up on Kids’ Immunizations During Back-to-School Season

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Thursday, August 31, 2023   

Health experts are urging parents to check on the status of their child's vaccinations, amid pertussis and COVID-19 outbreaks among children that have triggered school closures in some counties.

Western Kentucky Heart and Lung Research Foundation Executive Director Dr. Melinda Joyce said in addition to checking in with a pediatrician, there are many resources available to help parents get back on track when it comes to their child's immunizations.

"If someone is not sure about what immunizations are due at a particular child's age, going to your local pharmacist is a good place to start," said Joyce. "And just ask that question - 'is my child due something at this point in time?"

Parents or legal guardians can also use the online Kentucky Immunization Public Portal to obtain an official record of all of the vaccines their child has received while living in the Commonwealth.

The Kentucky Department for Public Health recently confirmed an outbreak of pertussis - also known as whooping cough - in the central part of the state.

Kelly Taulbee - director of communications and development with Kentucky Voices for Health - said it's a preventable disease, but notes some counties are seeing an uptick in cases.

"Most of the identified cases in Kentucky right now are among unvaccinated children," said Taulbee. "At least one has had to undergo hospitalization. Whooping cough might be one of those household names, but it doesn't have to be common. It doesn't have to be something we are fighting actively right now."

Joyce added that the start of the academic year often coincides with physical exams for sports, and other activities that make it an ideal time of year to focus on children's health.

"I think the beginning of the school season is a great time to think about immunizations," said Joyce, "and to say, 'What does my child need?'"

A report published this year by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that nationwide childhood immunization rates are on the decline for vaccines that prevent measles, tetanus, pertussis, polio, and chickenpox.




Disclosure: Kentucky Voices for Health contributes to our fund for reporting on Budget Policy & Priorities, Children's Issues, Consumer Issues, Health Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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