It's hard to believe it’s a new school year is upon us. If you’re a parent you're probably feeling excited and maybe a little sad that summer is over. For kids it’s time to sharpen pencils, make new friends and meet new teachers, but before they can do that, they should be up to date on their immunizations so they’re protected from serious diseases.

Immunizations are important to decrease the spread of diseases or the side affects of the diseases. During the early years of life, children are recommended to get vaccines to protect them from 14 diseases that can be serious, even life-threatening. Parents who choose not to vaccinate their own children increase the risk of disease not only for their children, but also for their classmates and neighbors as well as children and adults throughout the entire community.

Of course, everyone is recommended to receive a yearly flu vaccination, and older children are no exception! It's important to know that flu can be serious, even for healthy young people. For other diseases, like whooping cough, the protection from vaccine doses received in childhood wears off over time. That's why 11- and 12-year-olds are also recommended to get the booster shot called Tdap. Teens—and adults to 64 years of age, too—who have not gotten Tdap should get this booster as soon as possible.

As children move into adolescence, they are at greater risk of catching diseases like meningitis and Human Papilloma virus (HPV). Vaccines to prevent these diseases are specifically recommended for children to receive at ages 11 and 12. If kids don't get these vaccines on time, they should get caught up as soon as possible.

If your child has fallen behind in their vaccine schedule the CDC has the childhood vaccine schedule on their site. They can also call our office at 734-544-6700 and ask about the childhood vaccination schedule. We’re happy to answer any questions.

I’d also like to remind people that the State of Michigan has new school immunizations requirements this year. The changes include requirements for all 6th grade students 11 yrs of age and all of those 11 - 18 yrs of age who are changing school districts. These changes include requiring one dose of meningitis vaccine, one dose of Tdap, and 2 doses of Varicella (chicken pox vaccine).

I think it’s important to note that the United States currently has the safest, most effective vaccine supply in history. Years of testing are required by law before a vaccine can be licensed. Once in use, vaccines are continually monitored for safety and effectiveness. However, like any medication, vaccines can cause side effects. The most common side effect is usually soreness at the injection site.

If your child doesn’t have health coverage for vaccinations be sure to come to call our offices at 734-544-6700 to see if your child is eligible for the Vaccine for Children (VFC) program. The VFC program can assist families who are in need of immunizations for their children. This program provides vaccines to eligible children and adolescents birth through 18 years of age. Children can receive VFC vaccine if they:

1. Are on Medicaid 2. Are eligible for Medicaid 3. Do not have health insurance 4. Are American Indian or Alaskan Native 5. Are under-insured or have insurance that does not cover vaccines

The Washtenaw County Public Health Immunizations program would like to remind you that getting your child’s vaccinations on time is one of the most important things parents can do to ensure their children's long-term health ― as well as the health of their friends and classmates. Immunizations are available at the Washtenaw County Public Health Department located at 555 Towner, Ypsilanti 48197. Please call 734-544-6700 to schedule an appointment. Immunizations may be free to those who qualify.

Judy Gwozdek is the Immunizations Nurse Coordinator for the Washtenaw County Public Health Department and can be reached at (734)544-6885