Bay Area health departments are urging families to prioritize immunizations while preparing children to go back to school.
Contra Costa Health said vaccines are safe, effective and a routine part of preventive health care. They protect against serious diseases such as measles, pertussis — also known as whooping cough — and polio.
“Vaccines are one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep kids healthy, in school, and to protect our entire community,” said Dr. Ori Tzvieli, health officer for Contra Costa County, in a statement. “With preventable diseases circulating, vaccines are essential. Every child deserves protection, and every family deserves clear information with easy access.”
California children attending childcare facilities or schools are required to be vaccinated against several infectious diseases.
CCH encourages families to check their child’s vaccination records with their health care provider or through California’s Digital Vaccine Record portal.
They also say to schedule well-child visits early and before the school year begins to avoid last-minute delays and access low- or no-cost vaccinations through local public health clinics if uninsured or underinsured.
For more information, people can go to the American Academy of Pediatrics website.
Health officers endorsing these recommendations are from the counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Monterey, Napa, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Francisco, San Mateo, Solano, Sonoma and the city of Berkeley.