As the new school term begins, experts emphasise the importance of timely vaccinations against flu, pneumococcal disease, chickenpox, and other infections to protect children during autumn’s respiratory peak.
As the new school term begins, Russian infectious disease specialist Daria Namazova says parents should focus first on flu protection, describing September and October as the key months for vaccination. Speaking to RIA Novosti, Namazova said the flu shot can cut the risk of severe illness, hospital admission and dangerous complications by 60% to 80%. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends annual influenza vaccination for everyone aged six months and older, ideally in September or October, while flu viruses are still circulating.
Namazova also pointed to pneumococcal disease as a major concern for younger children. The CDC says pneumococcal infection can cause pneumonia, meningitis, bloodstream infection, ear infections and sinusitis, and that vaccination is the best protection. That aligns with Namazova’s warning that the bacteria are a common cause of severe ear, sinus and lung infections in school-age and preschool children.
She further advised parents to make sure children are protected against chickenpox, especially if they have not had the illness before, and to check that they have received both routine doses of measles, rubella and mumps vaccine. Namazova said that if the second dose was missed, it should be given as soon as possible. She also highlighted the importance of protection against whooping cough and meningococcal infection, underlining the broader value of keeping childhood immunisations up to date before autumn respiratory viruses begin to spread.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
