Parents, are you ready for the new school year? Meeting teachers, organizing backpacks, and packing lunches are some of the many things you are prepared for, but what about your child’s vaccination status? As the first day of school approaches, take a quick second to review Arizona’s state mandated immunization requirements for children entering child care and preschool, as well as K-12th grade.
Being vaccinated according to the CDC’s ACIP recommended immunization schedule is one of the most important things a parent can do to protect their child’s health. Diseases can quickly spread among groups of children who aren’t vaccinated. Whether it’s a baby starting at a new child care facility, a toddler heading to preschool, a student going back to elementary, middle or high school – or even a college freshman – parents should check their child’s vaccination records.
You can obtain a copy of your child’s immunization record from your healthcare provider and also the Arizona Immunization Program Office can provide immunization records from the state Immunization registry (ASIIS) free of charge to any person requesting a copy of his/ her or children records.
When children are not vaccinated, they are at increased risk for disease and can spread disease to others in their play groups, child care centers, classrooms, and communities – including babies who are too young to be fully vaccinated and people with weakened immune systems due to cancer and other health conditions.
Our mission at ADHS is to promote, protect, and improve the health and wellness of individuals and communities in Arizona. This school year make sure everyone is up-to-date on needed immunizations.
