CHENANGO COUNTY - As summer flies by, parents are busy preparing for another school year-shopping for supplies, organizing schedules, and making sure their children are ready for the first day of class.

One important task that is often left until the last minute is making sure children are up to date on their required school vaccinations.

By scheduling vaccinations early, families can avoid unnecessary stress, save valuable time, and help ensure children stay healthy and in the classroom all year long.

Every year, healthcare providers experience a surge of appointments in late summer as families rush to meet school vaccination requirements. Waiting until September can make it difficult to find an available appointment, leading to long wait times and added frustration. By scheduling vaccinations earlier, parents have greater flexibility, more appointment options, and one less thing to worry about as school approaches.

Getting vaccinated early also helps prevent delays in starting school. New York State requires students to receive certain immunizations. Children who are missing required vaccines may be excluded from school until they meet these requirements. That can mean missed classroom instruction, missed opportunities to make new friends, and additional stress for both students and parents. Completing vaccinations well before the first day of school helps ensure children are ready to learn from day one.

Vaccines do more than meet school requirements—they protect children from serious diseases such as measles, whooping cough, and meningitis. These illnesses can spread quickly in schools where students spend many hours together each day.

Healthy children are also more likely to stay in school. When children avoid vaccine-preventable diseases, they miss fewer days of class, stay on track academically, and can continue participating in sports, extracurricular activities, and time with friends. Parents benefit too, with fewer unexpected absences from work and fewer medical visits caused by preventable illnesses.

Now is the perfect time to check your child's immunization records and schedule any needed vaccines. Don't wait until the back-to-school rush. Contact your healthcare provider or your local health department today to schedule your child's back-to-school vaccinations. A little planning today can make the start of the school year healthier, easier, and stress-free for the whole family.

Supporting websites:

www.health.ny.gov/publications/2370_2026.pdf

www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/immunizations/Pages/Recommended-Immunization-Schedules.aspx

www.chenangocountyny.gov/474/Clinic-Schedule

Persons with questions or requiring additional information may contact the Chenango County Health Department at (607) 337-1660.

- From the Chenango County Health Department