As winter break approaches, it is essential to focus on your family’s health and well-being. This period offers an ideal opportunity to enhance your child’s immunity and overall health as the cold and flu season arrives. Below are key wellness and immunization tips to ensure a healthy winter break.
Prioritize Health During Winter Break
Emphasizing good health habits is crucial during this time. Here are some recommendations:
- Ensure adequate rest and quality sleep.
- Provide nutritious meals to support your child’s immune system.
- Encourage regular physical activity.
Schedule Well-Child Visits
This winter break, consider scheduling well-child visits or follow-ups with medical providers. These appointments are vital for:
- Addressing ongoing health needs.
- Completing overdue check-ups.
Additionally, reviewing and updating your child’s immunizations is important. In Washington State, children must have medically verified immunization records for school attendance.
Essential Immunizations
The following vaccines are essential for children:
- DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)
- Hepatitis B
- IPV (Polio)
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- Tdap booster for grades 7-12 (typically administered at ages 11-12)
If a child cannot be vaccinated for medical, philosophical, or religious reasons, a Certificate of Exemption must be on file.
Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines
Encouraging everyone aged six months and older to receive both seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines is beneficial. This is true even if your child has already received other vaccines this year.
Should your child be behind on vaccinations, contact your medical provider for assistance in catching up. They can also provide necessary documentation for school requirements.
Access Immunization Records
To access your child’s immunization history, use the WA Immunization Information System known as MyIR. You can also request a Certificate of Immunization Status form from your provider.
The Washington State Childhood Vaccine Program (CVP) ensures that publicly purchased vaccines are available to participating providers for children under 19 years. Providers enrolled in the CVP receive these vaccines at no cost.
Community Health Resources
For families facing food insecurity, numerous community resources are available to ensure access to nutritious food:
- Hopelink Bellevue: Food markets providing fresh and shelf-stable groceries (enrollment required).
- Renewal Food Bank: Offers free food assistance, including produce and hygiene products.
- Muslim Association of Puget Sound: Provides hot meals, food and gas cards, and holiday meals.
- United Way King County: Supplies culturally relevant groceries and connects families to other resources.
Stay Informed and Safe
We hope your family enjoys a restful winter break. When children return to school in the new year, they will be healthier and ready to learn.
Warm regards,
Karla Rimmer, MSN, RN
Health Services Coordinator, Bellevue School District
