Back-to-School & Respiratory Season: Iowa Pharmacists Primed to Provide Care

• By: IPA
• On: 09/29/2023 12:23:19
• In: Press Releases
• Comments: 0

COVID-19-related disruptions continue to affect health care coverage, especially among young children and adolescents. With school back in session, the Iowa Pharmacy Association (IPA) shares the importance of getting your children back on schedule with routine health care visits and immunizations.

Recent data continue to illustrate a drop in vaccination rates since the start of the pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that state-required vaccines for kindergartners have dropped for the second year in a row. Additionally, 4.4% of non-exempt students are not up to date with their measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.²

In addition, meningococcal (MenACWY) and Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccination rates were significantly lower among children who reached ages 12 and 13 during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to those who turned 12-13 prior to the pandemic.¹

IPA urges Iowans to get up to date on their vaccinations as we enter the 2023 flu and respiratory season. Check with your pharmacy, local public health, or other healthcare provider on recommended and available vaccines.

Iowa pharmacists are trusted and accessible health care providers, offering a range of services, including vaccinations, to meet the needs of Iowa families and communities. Visit www.iarx.org/patients for more information.
 

1. Pingali C, Yankey D, Elam-Evans LD, et al. National Vaccination Coverage Among Adolescents Aged 13–17 Years — National Immunization Survey-Teen, United States, 2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022;71:1101–1108. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7135a1
2. Seither R, Calhoun K, Yusuf OB, et al. Vaccination Coverage with Selected Vaccines and Exemption Rates Among Children in Kindergarten — United States, 2021–22 School Year. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023;72:26–32. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7202a2