To celebrate the importance of immunizations for people of all ages and to make sure children are protected as they go back to school,
Public Health is proud to recognize the essential role of immunizations in protecting the public’s health and celebrates August as National Immunization Awareness Month. The Sacramento County Public Health Division urges everyone to make sure they have the shots they need.
Child care facilities, schools and colleges can be susceptible to disease outbreaks because of large number of individuals interacting in close quarters. Children in these settings can easily spread illnesses if they do not practice good hand hygiene or do not cover their coughs and sneezes.
One of the most important things parents can do to protect the health of their child is to make sure their child is vaccinated according to the
Center for Disease Control recommended immunization schedule.
“Vaccines are very important for all of us. They protect the entire community - particularly those who cannot receive vaccinations, such as newborns or those with weakened immune systems,” said Dr. Olivia Kasirye, Sacramento County Public Health Officer. “Public Health is encouraging everyone to stay up to date on vaccinations.”
For children starting kindergarten, the required and recommended vaccines are:
- IPV (Polio)
- DTaP/DTP/DT (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis - also known as Whooping Cough)
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
- Hepatitis B
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- Hepatitis A: recommended
- Influenza: recommended yearly vaccine
For children going into seventh grade, the required and recommended vaccines are:
- Tdap booster (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis – also known as Whooping Cough)
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus): recommended
- MCV4 Meningococcal Conjugate (Meningitis): recommended
- Influenza: recommended yearly vaccine
The need for vaccination does not end in childhood. Vaccines are recommended throughout our lives based on age, lifestyle, occupation, travel locations, medical conditions and previous vaccination history. Some recommended adult vaccines include annual flu vaccine, tetanus and diphtheria booster (Td) every 10 years, and human papillomaviruses (HPV) for adults up to age 26.
Vaccines are the safest and most effective way to prevent several diseases. Currently, the United States has the safest vaccine supply in its history. The country’s long-standing vaccine safety system ensures vaccines are as safe as possible.
For a complete list of CDC recommended vaccines and immunizations schedules, visit the Center for Disease Control
Vaccine Schedules.
