Make new vaccination easier to obtain

As one of millions of moms in the middle of the back-to-school rush, I have a request for legislators: Please make it easier for us to get our kids vaccinated.

Earlier this year, Illinois added a new vaccine requirement - the meningococcal vaccine - for all students entering sixth and 12th grades. While I am glad to see legislators making our kids' health a top concern, they need to go a step further to be sure everyone who needs the vaccine has convenient access. While I have a few years before my oldest reaches the sixth grade, when it's time, it would be great if parents could get the meningococcal vaccine from our local pharmacies.

Pharmacists are already permitted to administer the seasonal flu and Tdap vaccines to anyone age 10 and up, and all other vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to anyone age 14 and up. With the new vaccine requirement for middle-school entry, it makes sense to allow pharmacists to offer the meningococcal vaccine for ages 10 and up as well.

For busy parents, every little bit helps. Getting kids vaccinated at a pharmacy right around the corner is a much more attractive option than trying to schedule a special trip to the doctor's office. Pharmacies are open beyond normal business hours, and no appointment is needed for vaccines, allowing us to take care of getting the kids vaccinated at a time that best meets our schedule.

Legislators and candidates, please make this simple, common-sense change so we can obtain the meningococcal vaccine at our local pharmacies.

Carol Sales

Park Ridge