As we begin to look toward fall and returning to school, the physicians of the Massachusetts Medical Society (MMS), the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (MCAAP), and the Massachusetts Academy of Family Physicians (MassAFP) wish
to remind parents and guardians of students that it is critical to make certain that school-aged children are current on all required and recommended vaccinations. Importantly, we urge parents and guardians, including those who may be hesitant and
wish to receive reliable information, to speak to their child’s physician or health care provider about vaccines that can prevent the spread of serious illnesses caused by influenza, COVID-19.
Vaccines are rigorously studied, safe and are the best tool we have to protect public health and mitigate the risk that an outbreak of any dangerous, transmissible infection could cause harm to students and staff.
Beyond vaccines, there are other ways to keep your school community healthy. Please make every effort to practice regular hand hygiene. If children are suffering from symptoms like fever, sore throat, cough, or congestion, keep them home until symptoms
relent and they are fever-free for at least 24 hours. If children are ill and must gather with others in indoor spaces, we strongly encourage masking to reduce transmission. We hope all students, school staff, and families in the Commonwealth have
a healthy, safe, and successful school year.
-Barbara S. Spivak, MD, President, Massachusetts Medical Society
-Mary Beth Miotto, MD, MPH, President, Massachusetts Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics
-Hannah Biederman, MD, President, Massachusetts Academy of Family Physicians
