LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
The waiting room at the Langley Allergy and Immunizations Clinic hums with the chatter of parents reassuring their children, in queue to enter one of the clinic's rooms for the necessary "back to school" shots.
Tech. Sgt. Franziska Ives, 633d Medical Operations Squadron, enters the area, calling the name of the next anxious pupil to receive their set of immunizations.
It's that time of year again.
As the first day of school approaches, parents are bringing their young ones to the clinic to satisfy Virginia state requirements for immunizations before heading back to the classroom or day care center. The clinic offers all shots needed to fulfill these requirements.
"We make a priority of getting our dependents' children up to date on their shots before going to school," Sergeant Ives said. "It's state law to have the immunizations and we offer them all here."
Some of the immunizations provided include protection against Diptheria, Tetanus and Pertussis (DTap). Other vaccinations include shots for Hepatitis, Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR), Polio, and Varicella, better known as Chickenpox. Female students will also require a series of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine prior to entering the 6th grade.
Educating patients about the varieties and importance of each vaccine is the best part of working in the clinic, according to Sergeant Ives.
"I get the chance to explain the rules about vaccinations and help parents understand why it needs to be done," she said. "Education helps them make the right decision about their child's health."
Sergeant Ives asked parents to participate in the immunization process by reassuring and calming their children while getting their shots.
"Shots are scary for most kids," she added. "If parents get involved, it makes the whole process much easier, faster and safer, which is good for everyone considering how busy the clinic is this time of year."
According to Sergeant Ives, first-year students will require a physical at Family Health prior to immunizations. Parents are asked to bring a copy of their child's records to the appointment.
Parents should schedule an immunizations appointment as soon as possible by calling the appointment line at 1-866-645-4584. The clinic can be reach directly by calling 764-6985. The clinic's hours of operation are:
· Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.;
· Wednesday: 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and;
· Friday: 7:30 a.m. to noon.
For a complete list of Virginia state school and day care minimum immunization requirements, click
here.