As part of your back to school preparations, don't forget to include vaccinations! It's important to remember vaccination requirements needed for children and adults. To remind Americans to keep their vaccination records up-to-date, August has been designated as "National Immunization Month."
California requires specific vaccinations for children before they can attend school in the state. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has information on the boosters and shots needed, with useful handouts for parents and students.
Parents with children entering the seventh through 12th grades should note that they must have their kids vaccinated against pertussis, or whooping cough, no later than 30 days after the school year begins. Pertussis is a highly contagious disease spread by coughing and sneezing, and has seen a large resurgence in California in the past couple of years. If you have any questions or concerns, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) provides easy to read facts on the disease and vaccination.
The CDC also offers helpful tools to help keep you on track with you and your child's vaccination schedule:
Instant Child Immunization Scheduler - for birth to six years of age
Catch-up Immunization Scheduler - for ages six and younger
Adolescent Immunization Scheduler - for ages seven to 18
Adult Immunization Scheduler - for ages 19 and older