GOT YOUR SHOTS? Back to school planning means making sure your kids are up-to-date on their immunizations. (Photo by James Gathany, Judy Schmidt / U.S. Centers for Disease Control)

With the start of the school year right around the corner, the Eau Claire City-County Health Department encourages parents and guardians to make sure that your kids are up to date on their vaccinations. Vaccines train your child’s immune system against serious diseases like measles, whooping cough, and even cancers caused by HPV.

It is also important to consider the COVID-19 vaccine if your children have not already received it or are not up to date with recommended vaccine and booster doses. Both Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines have been approved for children 6 months and older. The COVID-19 vaccine can lower the risk of getting seriously sick from COVID-19.

Making sure your children are caught up on their vaccines will protect them, their classmates, and others around them from serious illness. Talk to your child’s doctor to be sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. To learn more about the recommended vaccines, visit cdc.gov/vaccines.

If you are struggling to get your child their routine vaccines, you may qualify for free vaccinations with the Eau Claire City-County Health Department. For more information on eligibility and scheduling an appointment please visit our website at immunizations.echealthdepartment.org.

A reminder that the COVID-19 vaccine is free for everyone. To find a COVID-19 vaccine location, visit vaccines.gov.