Back-to-school season is here. It’s time for parents to gather school supplies and backpacks. It’s also the perfect time to make sure children are up to date on their vaccines.
To celebrate the importance of immunizations for people of all ages and make sure adolescents are protected with all the vaccines they need; recognizing August as National Immunization Awareness Month.
“Getting children all of the vaccines recommended by CDC’s immunization schedule is one of the most important things parents can do to ensure a healthy future for their child,” said Barbara Philips, nurse educator for the Department of Health immunization program. “If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to check with your doctor to find out what vaccines your child needs.”
Adolescent vaccines protect against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases, including meningitis, septicemia and cancers caused by HPV.
When children are not vaccinated, they are at increased risk for diseases and can also spread diseases to others in their classrooms and community – including babies who are too young to be fully vaccinated, and people with weakened immune systems due to cancer or other health conditions.
Preteens and teens need Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) vaccine, meningococcal vaccine, and HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine when they are 11 to 12. In addition, yearly flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months or older—not just preteens and teens, but for their parents too.
Parents can find out more about the recommended immunization schedule at
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