The New York State Department of Health is observing National Immunization Awareness Month by urging residents to check their children’s vaccination status before the start of the school year. The department also advises adults to stay current with their vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine.
“Nationally, we see increases in vaccine preventable disease. This does not need to happen in New York, or in your city or in your home. Decades of research show that vaccines are the best protection to prevent disease and save lives,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “National Immunization Awareness Month serves as a timely reminder for parents, guardians and pediatricians to ensure that children’s vaccines are up to date for the back-to-school season.”
According to state requirements, children attending nursery schools, pre-kindergarten programs, and grades K-12 must have all necessary vaccinations for their age and grade level.
Most private health insurance plans cover vaccines. For families whose insurance does not include vaccine coverage, the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program offers recommended vaccines at no cost for eligible children under 19 years old.
A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report found that routine childhood immunizations have prevented hundreds of millions of illnesses, tens of millions of hospitalizations, and over one million deaths among U.S. children born between 1994 and 2023.
The department notes that National Immunization Awareness Month is an opportunity to emphasize how effective vaccines are for people of all ages. Adults can also be vulnerable to diseases and may benefit from updating their vaccinations according to the CDC’s Adult Immunization Schedule.
The NYS Vaccines for Adults program provides free vaccines to qualifying adults. Additional information on recommended vaccinations for international travel is available online.
Officials state that the United States currently has its most effective vaccine supply ever, supported by systems designed to ensure safety. Vaccination remains the primary defense against serious but preventable diseases.
Further details about New York’s immunization laws and regulations can be accessed online.
