Doctors, Teachers Urge Parents To Get Their Kids Vaccinated

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- As schools are opening and parents are checking items off back-to-school lists, there's one thing that schools are insisting parents do not forget: immunization.

Pat Warren reports.

"We're trying very hard to reach out to them and educate them," said Medstar Franklin Square Pediatrics Dr. Scott Krugman. "The schools are very supportive of the doctor community by saying these are the laws, and if you don't have your vaccines, don't come."

This month, the city and county health departments investigated a possible case of measles.

The state requires measles, mumps and chicken pox vaccines, and children are expected to show up with their vaccination records in hand.

But city health officials are also being sensitive to parents' concerns about possible side-effects.

"There could be swelling. There is a chance the child may experience pain," said Baltimore Health Commissioner Leana Wen, "but these are minor inconveniences, minor risks when it comes to the benefits vaccines will present."

Vaccines are also available through the city health clinics.