With the new school year starting, the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency Public Health Division (SCHSA/PH) encourages all parents to make sure their children are up-to-date on immunizations.

“Ensuring children have received all of the recommended vaccines is one of the most important things parents can do to protect their children from serious diseases,” said Dr. Julie Vaishampayan, the County Health Officer. “If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to check with your child’s doctor to find out what vaccines your child needs.”

Parents are encouraged to review their child’s immunization record, check with their child’s doctor to find out what vaccines are needed, and schedule an appointment as soon as possible for their child’s immunizations. Staying up-to-date and getting all required vaccinations is important because they can help protect children from serious illnesses such as polio, whooping cough, tetanus and diphtheria.

Parents with children who do not have a healthcare provider, are uninsured, or have Medi-Cal can receive their vaccines at the SCHSA/PH Clinic at 820 Scenic Drive in Modesto. Vaccines are offered five days a week, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays extended to 7 p.m.

To find more information about recommended vaccines, visit the websites listed here: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/; http://www.shotsforschool.org/; http://schsa.org/PublicHealth/pages/immunization/html/immunization-information.shtm.