Back-to-School and Up-to-Date

As another school year begins, families across Maine are preparing for new routines, classrooms, and experiences. One of the most important steps in getting ready is making sure children are up to date on their vaccinations. August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM)—a perfect reminder that vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect kids, their classmates, and the wider community from serious diseases.

Why Vaccines Are So Important

Vaccines help prevent illnesses like measles, mumps, whooping cough, and influenza—diseases that can spread quickly when children gather in classrooms and activities. Staying current with recommended immunizations not only protects your child, but also helps safeguard those who are most vulnerable: newborns, older adults, and individuals with health conditions that make them more susceptible to infections.

A Back-to-School Vaccination Checklist

Review the CDC’s Recommended Schedule
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updates its immunization schedules every year. Parents should review these guidelines to see what’s due before the start of school:

  • Infants and Toddlers (Birth–6 years): Multiple doses are needed to protect against illnesses like polio, hepatitis B, and influenza.

  • School-Aged Children (7–18 years): Check for booster shots, including Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), as well as any catch-up doses that may have been missed earlier.

  • Preteens and Teens: Older kids may need vaccines such as HPV, meningococcal, and updated flu and COVID-19 protection.

Talk with Your Pediatrician
Your child’s healthcare provider is the best resource for answering questions, reviewing your child’s immunization history, and ensuring they’re fully protected. If you’re unsure which vaccines your child has received, your pediatrician can check records and provide guidance.

Keep School Records Current
Most schools require proof of immunization before students can attend. Be sure to submit updated records to your child’s school office so everything is ready for the first day.

Building Healthier Communities

Vaccinations do more than protect individual children—they strengthen the health of the entire community. By keeping kids up to date, families play a vital role in preventing outbreaks and supporting a safe, healthy start to the school year.

For more information and to view the full vaccination schedules, visit the CDC’s resource page at cdc.gov/vaccines.

POSTTracey CarlsonHPM, SB, school immunizations, back to school, healthy classrooms, healthy kids