School Checklist: A Stop at the Pediatrician's Office

Getting your child ready for school means more than shopping for clothes and school supplies. Immunization requirements and general health matters also command the attention of parents.

Dr. Alisa N. Altman, a pediatrician at the Huntington Medical Group on Pulaski Road, said doctors talk about a range of health and safety issues when parents bring their children into the office before school starts.

Among the topics are healthy eating, including weight problems, healthy growth, car seat and bicycle safety and sufficient sleep time.

 “We talk to patents about getting into better sleep routines, about a week or two before school,” she said. That includes “getting into bed earlier and getting acclimated to normal school times” and limiting the amount of time children spend with TV, computers and other electronic devices so they can turn their focus to school work. “We encourage parents to set house rule about screen time and start talking now so they’re not shocked” once classes start.

 New York State lists 17 immunization requirements and recommendations for school children of all ages. Among the vaccines Altman recommends is a seasonal flu vaccine, particularly in families with vulnerable members, such as infants.

“We encourage all to get flu shots but definitely stress for families with babies to provide a cocoon of safety,” she said.

 Other key vaccines beyond those administered in the younger years are:

 HPV (human papilloma virus), which plays a major role in the development of several cancers. “People don't realize how ubiquitous the virus is. There’s probably about 6.2 million who get the infection each year,” Altman said. “It’s estimated that about 22,000 cancers that occur, 7000 in males each year. (The vaccine) has been given in this country for females; recently it’s been recommended for boys as well. It has tremendous impact on children's chance of cancer later in life.”

(Tdap--Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis), including a booster required of those entering sixth grade.

Meningococcal: A serious bacterial infection that causes meningitis; a vaccine is administered between ages 11-12 and recommended as booster at 16.

Pediatricians also talk healthy eating, the need to limit sugar and soda, Altman said. “Everything in moderation,” she said. “It’s important that they’re getting their daily needs of calcium and vitamin D. We talk about strategies for healthy eating; we like to promote from an early age. If needed, we recommend safe weight loss strategies, referring them to nutritionists and discuss daily exercise.”