Back-to-School Ready: Why Staying Up to Date on Vaccines Matters
- csoronen
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
As families prepare for a new school year, there’s more to the back-to-school checklist than backpacks, school supplies and new clothes. It’s also an important time to make sure your child’s immunizations are up to date.
August is National Immunization Awareness Month, making it the perfect opportunity to review your family’s vaccination records and ensure everyone has the protection they need.
In a recent HAPPI Chat, Dr. Young-Hawkins, HAPPI Health’s Senior Pediatrician and Special Needs Clinic Coordinator and Provider, shared why staying current on vaccinations is so important for children, teens and young adults.
Protecting Children From Preventable Diseases
Vaccines play an important role in protecting children and communities from serious diseases. Some vaccine-preventable illnesses that became uncommon in the United States can still occur and spread when people are not adequately protected.
That’s why Dr. Young-Hawkins encourages parents to make reviewing immunization records part of their back-to-school routine.
Depending on a child’s age, health history and previous vaccinations, they may be due for certain immunizations. HAPPI Health providers can review your child’s records and help determine what may be needed.
Don’t Forget Older Students
Vaccination conversations aren’t only for younger children starting elementary school.
Dr. Young-Hawkins especially encourages families with older teens and young adults to check their immunization records. Students preparing to attend college, boarding school, enter the military or participate in other programs may have additional vaccination requirements or recommendations.
Depending on age and vaccination history, this may include vaccines that protect against diseases such as:
Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis
Meningococcal disease
Measles, mumps and rubella
Polio
Requirements and recommendations can vary based on age, medical history, school or program requirements and other factors. A healthcare provider can help determine which vaccines are appropriate for you or your child.
Moving to Alabama? We Can Help You Get School-Ready
Families moving from another state—or even another country—may have an additional step when preparing children for school: transferring medical and immunization records.
Establishing care with a primary care provider can help make that transition easier.
HAPPI Health can work with families to review available immunization records, identify what may still be needed and help prepare necessary medical documentation for school.
Whether you’re moving from Tennessee to Alabama, relocating from another part of the country or arriving from outside the United States, our team can help you navigate the process and establish care.
Make Vaccines Part of Your Back-to-School Checklist
Waiting until the first day of school to discover that a vaccine or medical form is missing can add unnecessary stress to an already busy season.
Schedule an appointment early and bring any immunization records or school medical forms you have with you. Our HAPPI Health team can review your records, discuss recommended or required immunizations and help you prepare for the school year ahead.
And immunizations aren’t just a back-to-school priority. National Immunization Awareness Month is a reminder for people of all ages to talk with their healthcare provider about staying up to date on recommended vaccines.
Need a Vaccine? Come See Us at HAPPI!
Whether your child is beginning school, preparing for college, entering the military or your family simply needs to catch up on immunizations, HAPPI Health is here to help.
Need a vaccine? Come see us at HAPPI!
Call 256-519-3650 or visit happihealth.org to schedule an appointment and get back-to-school ready.
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