Now is the time to make sure your kids’ vaccinations (shots) are up-to-date so that they are ready to return to school in September.  Having all school required vaccines not only protects your child from harmful infections, it also protects your family, their classmates and the community.  It is important to contact your child’s health care provider to make sure your child has received all the needed immunizations for this school year.

Childhood vaccines protect against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. Thanks to the widespread acceptance of vaccines, many of the infectious diseases that once were commonplace are now rare in the United States.  However, outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, such as whooping cough, measles, or mumps can still happen, especially in places where a sizable number of children are exempted because of religious or philosophical reasons.

To attend school, children are required to be up-to-date on their shots.  For the 2016-2017 school year, immunization requirements have changed.  Adolescents need to receive one meningococcal vaccine before 7th grade and two before 12th grade (unless the first dose is after 16 years of age).  New York State law requires that students have proof of all required vaccines or be removed from school until the vaccines are obtained.

The Onondaga County Health Department encourages you to check with your health care provider to make sure your kids are up-to-date on all required vaccines.  Schedule your appointment TODAY for any needed immunizations.   No insurance?  Visit the Onondaga County Health Department Immunization Clinic.  Having no insurance is not a barrier and all vaccines children need for school are offered.  For more information on the clinic, call 435-2000.