Last years' Measles outbreak - that started from an unvaccinated family coming from overseas - mainly effected children who weren't up-to-date with their vaccination. That demonstrated the importance of ensuring that all children are receiving their vaccinations on time, according to the Department of Health's schedule. It helps protect their own children and other kids, by stopping the spread of diseases, some of which pose a life-danger. By keeping to the vaccinations schedule, one fulfill the commandment in the Torah of "V'nishmartem Meod L'nafshoseichem," you shall be very protective of your lives.
Parents have to ensure that they submit the Immunization and Health Records - showing full compliance - to the school, because schools are routinely audited and face hefty fines for enrolling students without obtaining their records and ensuring that they are up to dates with their shots.
The article also advises parents that the Immunization Requirements and schedules were updated, and that their younger children may be subjected to a different schedules than their older ones - i.e., they may need more shots or more frequent doses. Parents are advise to double check with their pediatricians if their children are due for vaccinations under the Department of Health Schedule for the upcoming school year, especially if their schools advise them that they miss some shots.
"By fully complying with the regulations, one helps ensure the health of the children, while making easier for themselves (by having their children accepted to their schools without delay), as well as ensuring that the educational institutions don't face huge fines and more consequences," the article concludes.
