BAY AREA — As children and families across the Bay Area prepare for the upcoming school year, Bay Area health officials urge everyone to make sure back-to-school checklists start with getting children vaccinated.
Vaccines are safe, effective and a routine part of preventative healthcare. Vaccination protects against serious diseases, such as measles, pertussis (also known as whooping cough) and polio. Locally, health officials in Monterey County are promoting the credibility of vaccine science and ensuring fair access to these life-saving tools as essential steps toward safeguarding all children, including those that are most vulnerable.
“Vaccines are some of the most effective tools we have to ensure that every child, regardless of their background, ability to pay or where they live, has the opportunity to grow up safe and healthy,” said Dr. Edward Moreno, Public Health Director and County Health Officer.
Children in California are required to receive certain immunizations to attend public and private elementary and secondary schools, childcare centers, family day care homes, nursery schools, day nurseries and developmental centers (pre-kindergarten facilities). Families are encouraged to:
- Review their child’s vaccination record with their health care provider or through California’s Digital Vaccine Record portal.
- Schedule well-child visits well before the school year begins to avoid last-minute delays.
- Access low- or no-cost vaccinations at local health clinics if children are uninsured or underinsured.
Resources
- County of Monterey Health Department, Public Health Bureau, Immunization Program: countyofmonterey.gov/government/departments-a-h/health/public-health/monterey-county-immunization-program
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Healthy Children. Immunizations: healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/immunizations/Pages/default.aspx
- CDPH Immunization Branch. Resources for Parents / Guardians: cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/School/resources-parents.aspx
- My Digital Vaccine Record: myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov
- Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS): vaers.hhs.gov
- Vaccines for Children Program: cdc.gov/vaccines-for-children/vfc-information-for-parents/index.html
- Vaccines.gov Immunization Clinic Locator: vaccines.gov
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.
