BACK TO SCHOOL
This section is dedicated to guiding parents on everything they need for the return to school. Here you will find details about vaccination laws in Puerto Rico, the vaccination schedule for back-to-school events where you can obtain the green card (for vaccinations). You will also find guidelines for disinfecting and cleaning schools, and frequently asked questions about vaccines such as COVID-19. Everything you need to prepare your children safely and responsibly.
In Puerto Rico, although there is a mandatory vaccination law and high coverage in children from 19 to 35 months, a decrease in vaccination is observed between 7 and 19 months, attributed more to compliance with school requirements than to a real awareness of its importance.
Likewise, pregnant women, despite their high risk of complications from influenza, show low acceptance of vaccines such as Tdap and the flu vaccine.
Given this situation, VOCES launched the "Vaccination from the Cradle" campaign, focused on informing future mothers and fathers about the importance of early and timely vaccination, from pregnancy to the child's first years.
The initiative included educational materials such as vaccination schedules, information guides, social media reminders, and community activities.
In addition, misinformation was combated through publications and articles that debunked myths, highlighting the safety and benefits of vaccines.
FIT2: Head Start Influenza-Free for the Children of Puerto Rico, designed by VOCESPR, sought to increase influenza vaccination coverage in children aged 6 months to 5 years, specifically in Head Start and Early Head Start centers in Bayamón during the 2019-2020 season. With a comprehensive approach, it combined education, prevention, and vaccination, using a mobile unit to vaccinate and offer guidance to parents, guardians, and educational staff.
The initiative promoted confidence in vaccines through group talks, personalized guidance, and educational kits to reinforce healthy habits in the future.
In addition, certified providers of the VFC program were partnered to ensure safe access to vaccines. A comprehensive evaluation documented the results, highlighting FIT2 as a model for improving children's public health and fostering a cultural shift toward disease prevention in Puerto Rico.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, VOCES PR, in collaboration with the Department of Health and local pediatric organizations, established VacuKids vaccination centers at Plaza Las Américas and Mayagüez Mall.
These centers offered access to the COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 to 11, aiming to protect this population group against the virus. The initiative provided a safe and accessible environment for families.
Simultaneously, the educational campaign “Finally for Them!” was launched, designed to raise awareness among parents and guardians about the importance of childhood immunization. These actions were key to increasing children's protection, reducing the risk of serious complications, and making progress in controlling the pandemic, especially before the Christmas holidays and the return to the school semester.
With extended hours and an online appointment system, VacuKids expedited the vaccination process and promoted the safety and peace of mind of many Puerto Rican families. The campaign reinforced VOCES' commitment to public health and the well-being of children on the island.
VOCES has worked on the Back to School campaign in 2022, 2023 and 2024, highlighting vaccination as key to a safe and prepared return to school.
Under the slogan "Going to School Vaccinated, with a Green Paper in Hand", the initiative has facilitated access to the Pvac-3 certificate, required by the Department of Education, and has promoted vaccination as the first line of defense.
Through community clinics, shopping centers, chain pharmacies and community pharmacies, vaccines have been administered, certificates distributed and guidance provided to hundreds of families, reaffirming the commitment to children's health and education in Puerto Rico.
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