Is it Exam Time for School Children Already?

 

(Atlanta) – August 5, 2009 – Although many children and teens are enjoying the remaining days of their summer vacation, it is actually exam time here in Georgia. Don’t fret, the exams we are referring to are given in a doctor’s and/or dentist’s office instead of the traditional classroom, and should take place before or shortly after the start of the new school year. These exams include a routine doctor’s exam to confirm that all immunizations are up-to-date, a dental exam and a vision exam.  

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia is reinforcing the importance of parents talking with their child’s pediatrician about the specific examinations their child should receive. This helps ensure that Georgia’s youth population receives the care it needs and deserves. “As parents prepare their children and teenagers for the transition back to school, they need to make sure each child gets the recommended immunizations, along with an eye exam and dental cleaning,” said Dr. Robert McCormack, BCBSGA Medical Director.  

Child Vaccinations: 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) there are many recommended vaccines for children and teens, including influenza, which should be given to all school-age children from six months to 18 years. Other children immunizations include: 

• The meningococcal vaccine, which is recommended for those who are age 11-12 and at age 13-18 if not previously vaccinated.  

• The tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine, which is recommended for all adolescents age 11-12 who have not received a tetanus and diphtheria toxoids vaccine (Td) booster dose. Adolescents between age 13-18 who missed the 11-12 Tdap dose or received Td only are encouraged to receive one dose of Tdap five years after the last Td/Tdap dose.  

• The varicella (chickenpox) vaccine. All children should receive two doses of the chickenpox vaccine at age 12-15 months and 4-6 years. Since the risk for transmission can be high among school-aged children and teens, those without evidence of immunity should receive two doses of the chickenpox vaccine and those who received one dose previously should receive a second dose. 

• The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. All children should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine. A first dose is recommended at ages 12-15 months and a second dose at ages 4-6 years. If not previously vaccinated, children and teens age 7-18 should be vaccinated.  

• The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which is recommended for girls beginning at ages 11-12. The HPV vaccine is a three-dose series administered over a six-month period. 

This year, the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended that children receive the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine in addition to the seasonal flu vaccine when it becomes commercially available to the general public in the fall. ACIP has given prioritization for those administering the vaccine to first immunize children and young adults from six months to 24 years, and people living with or caring for children younger than six months of age before administering vaccines to the general population. Additional information about the flu is available at flu.gov and cdc.gov. 

The message seems to be hitting home because according to the CDC’s 2007 National Immunization Survey (NIS), childhood immunization rates remain at or near record levels, with at least 90 percent coverage for all but one of the individual vaccines in the recommended series for young children, and more than 77 percent of children were fully vaccinated with all vaccines in the series of recommended vaccines, Although Ga. Ranks higher than some other states, thousands of children still go without annual vaccinations, putting them and their caregivers at risk. 

Children’s Vision: 

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Bright Futures, 3^rd Edition, school age children should be evaluated for visual difficulties at their annual visit and formally screened according to the AAP’s recommended schedule. 

In addition, the American Public Health Association (APHA) recently reported that one-in-four children in kindergarten through sixth grade has a vision problem. Some studies indicate that 80 percent of learning in children occurs visually; therefore, getting regular routine eye exams should be a major part of the back to school preparation. Undiagnosed vision problems in children can lead to difficulty with schoolwork, resulting in poor performance.  

According to the American Optometric Association’s (AOA) 2009 American Eye-Q® survey, 60 percent of children identified as “problem learners” actually suffer from undetected vision problems and in some cases have been inaccurately diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). 

“Having healthy eyes and clear vision can make all the difference in how a child learns and/or performs in class,” said Dr. McCormack. “Poor vision can result in lower grades and ultimately lower self esteem.” 

Dental Exams: 

Interestingly, many parents do make sure their child is current on their immunizations and vision exams; but, a visit to the dentist is oftentimes an afterthought. However, when children and teens get routine dental exams, many dental problems or issues can be caught early and possibly corrected.  

The American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) suggest parents take their child to a pediatric dentist as soon as the first tooth appears, or at least by his or her first birthday. And then start the regular routine of visiting the dentist every six months for a dental exam and cleaning going forward.  

According to the CDC, more than 51 million school hours are lost each year nationwide because of dental-related illness, and more than half of children aged five to nine have had at least one cavity or filling, with 78 percent of 17-year-olds having experienced tooth decay.  

Anthem provides coverage for most children vaccines and exams. However, policyholders should confirm their specific benefits by calling the toll-free number listed on their insurance card.  

“We encourage our members to make sure their children start the school year off on the right foot health-wise by getting the recommended immunizations, and having their eyes and teeth examined,” said Dr. McCormack. “These simple exams are essential for keeping children and teens healthy, letting them focus on other events and activities during the school year.” 

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About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia: 

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, Inc. and Blue Cross and Blue Shield Healthcare Plan of Georgia, Inc. are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association^® . The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.  Additional information about Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia is available at www.bcbsga.com.  

Media Contact:  

Cheryl Monkhouse, cheryl.monkhouse@wellpoint.com, 404-210-1362