SHA prepares for routine school immunizations as classes resume

As school will soon be back in session, this year’s Grade 6 and Grade 8 students will be eligible for routine immunizations.

Dr. Stanley Enebeli, medical health officer for the region, said it’s part of the province’s routine immunization schedule program. Grade 6 students will receive vaccines for human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B, while Grade 8 students receive vaccines for meningococcal meningitis, tetanus, diphtheria, and hepatitis A.

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Enebeli said these vaccines are provided at these ages as the risk of developing these viruses increase when they enter the teenage years.

He noted that by the time they get into that age range, they are more at risk and for being exposed to those viruses.

“That is why we try to go ahead of that and provide them those vaccines. As we know, these are all vaccine preventable diseases, that if the kids do get them on time, then they have strong enough protection when exposed to these pathogens,” Enebeli said.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority works with its partners within the school system to make the immunizations available to students within their schools. Still, the consent of a parent or guardian is required before a student can be vaccinated. Enebeli said parents and guardians are provided consent forms and information packets.

“We send out information sheets with different websites or links that they could look up and just get a little bit more knowledge about these pathogens and the vaccines for itself,” Enebeli said.

“Still, if they’re unsure or have questions, or they want to clarify some more, then they can reach out to our local public health office.”

Enebeli says teachers can be a great point of contact for questions as well.