Before school, ensure first-grader's vaccinations and tuberculosis test

Lithuanian health officials are reminding parents to ensure their children are up-to-date with vaccinations and have undergone a tuberculosis screening before they begin first grade. The National Public Health Center (NVSC) emphasizes that vaccinations are crucial for protecting children against infectious diseases that can easily spread within school environments.

For children aged 6-7, specific vaccinations are provided free of charge before they start school. These immunizations protect against serious illnesses such as whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus, and polio, as well as measles, mumps, and rubella. Parents whose children have not received all required vaccinations are advised to consult a doctor to create a personalized vaccination plan.

In addition to vaccinations, health authorities recommend that prospective first-graders undergo a tuberculin test. This test screens for exposure to tuberculosis bacteria. A positive result on the tuberculin test does not automatically mean the child has active tuberculosis; rather, it indicates the need for further investigation by a medical professional to assess the child's health status.