CoSN has joined twelve other education organizations in the Get Vax campaign as a member of the Learning First Alliance, The goal of the campaign is to increase the awareness of educators and families regarding the critical need for all children to be up to date on their vaccines. It is estimated that one in five adolescents and elementary-age are thought to be behind on routine vaccinations, such as MMR, meningitis, hepatitis, tetanus, etc. Traditionally, students get vaccines at wellness check-ups, public health clinics, or in the summer for camps or back to school, but Covid-19 has prevented access for many of these students and their families. Students without these vaccinations may not be allowed to return to in-person learning in the fall.
The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that every child receive essential vaccinations even during the COVID-19 outbreak. Dangerous diseases like polio, measles, whooping cough, and meningitis can spread easily among unvaccinated children and adults.
Educators, please take a moment and help spread the word. Share professional resources with your colleagues regarding the critical need to have all children up to date on their vaccines. The campaign also provides resources for parents in English and Spanish.