Lithuanian Health Officials Urge Parents to Vaccinate Future First-Graders

Health specialists are reminding parents of the critical importance of ensuring their children are up-to-date on vaccinations before starting school. Vaccinations are presented as a key defense against dangerous infectious diseases, which can spread rapidly in environments like classrooms. The National Centre for Public Health (NVSC) emphasizes that if any scheduled vaccinations have been missed due to illness or other reasons, parents should promptly consult their child's doctor.

The NVSC stated that a doctor can develop a personalized vaccination schedule to ensure the child gains the necessary protection against contagious diseases safely and on time. According to Lithuania's childhood immunization calendar, children aged 6-7 receive free vaccinations against whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus, and polio, as well as measles, mumps, and rubella, before entering school.

Additionally, future first-graders are recommended to undergo a tuberculin test (Mantoux test). This test helps determine if a child has been exposed to tuberculosis bacteria. The NVSC clarifies that a positive result does not automatically mean the child has tuberculosis; it typically leads to a consultation with a pediatric pulmonologist who will assess further test results to decide on necessary treatment.

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If some vaccinations have been missed due to illness or other reasons, it is important to contact the child's doctor as soon as possible. The doctor will create an individual vaccination plan that will help the child safely and timely acquire the necessary protection against infectious diseases.