As the new school year approaches, the California Department of Public Health urges children, teens, and adults to get recommended and required vaccines.

“School immunization requirements and recommended vaccines help protect the health of our children, teens and communities,” said Dr. Tomás J. Aragón, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer. “If you haven’t done so already, talk with your doctor about immunizations for your child. And if your child needs to get immunized, schedule your appointment soon, well before the school year begins.”

REQUIRED IMMUNIZATIONS: California law requires students to receive age-specific immunizations in order to attend public and private elementary and secondary schools as well as licensed childcare centers. Schools and licensed childcare centers are required to enforce immunization requirements, maintain immunization records of all children enrolled, and report children’s immunization status to CDPH.

Families can visit CDPH’s ShotsforSchool and Don’t Wait – Vaccinate! webpages for information on immunization laws and required vaccinations for students in California.

It is also recommended that children and adolescents are vaccinated against additional vaccine-preventable diseases, including human papillomavirus, a common infection which can slowly and silently lead to cancer. HPV vaccination is recommended starting at age 9 years to help protect against cancers caused by HPV infection. Many teens in California have not yet been vaccinated against HPV and lack other vital vaccines.

RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES: Families who are facing difficulties getting immunizations before the start of school can contact their local health department for help in finding a place to get immunized. Under the Affordable Care Act, most health plans are required to cover vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and to not charge a deductible or copayment. Children without insurance coverage qualify for the Vaccines for Children Program, which provides no-cost vaccines for eligible children.