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 your children are up to date on their vaccines.
To celebrate the importance of immunizations for people of all ages – and to make sure children are protected with all the vaccines they need as they go back to school – Richland Public Health is joining with partners nationwide in recognizing August as National Immunization Awareness Month.
Back-to-school vaccines are available by through the Richland Public Health Clinic. Call 419-774-4700 to schedule an appointment.
“Getting children all the vaccines recommended by CDC’s immunization schedule is one of the most important things parents can do to protect their children from serious diseases,” said Amy Schmidt, Director of Nursing at Richland Public Health. “If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to check with your child’s doctor or medical provider to find out what vaccines your child needs.”
Vaccines protect children, preteens and teens from 16 serious and potentially life-threatening diseases.
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.
Talk to your child’s doctor or medical provider to find out which vaccines are recommended for them before going back to school. Some vaccines may be required for school attendance or college admission (check with your college for specific requirements).
Parents and caregivers can find more about recommended vaccines by visiting www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents, the Immunization page at richlandhealth.org: https://richlandhealth.org/personal/child-and-adult-immunizations/, or by calling the Richland Public Health Clinic at 419-774-4700.
Source: Richland Public Health
