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Back to School: Why Immunizations Belong on Your Checklist
Backpacks, school supplies, and new clothes are usually on the top of most back to school checklists. But one item that is just as important and often gets overlooked is your child’s immunization. August is National Immunization Awareness Month and a great time to check that your children are up to date on all their shots.
Why Timing Matters
Classrooms bring children into close contact for hours at a time, making it easier for illnesses like measles, whooping cough, and chickenpox to spread. Vaccines work by teaching the immune system to recognize and fight these diseases before your child is exposed to them. Alberta’s school immunization program protects against several of these illnesses, but only if families follow the recommended vaccination schedule.
Alberta’s routine schedule includes vaccines at ages 2, 4, 6, 12, and 18 months, as well as a booster at 4 years old. Life sometimes gets in the way, and your child may miss an appointment; it’s easy to fall behind without realizing it. Checking your child’s immunization records, or asking your primary care provider to check is the fastest way to stay informed on what vaccines your children have.
What Families Can Do
You don’t need to wait for a reminder to get vaccinated. In Calgary, families can:
- Call 811 to book at an Alberta Health Services Community Health Centre.
- Book through the Alberta Vaccine Booking System and make an appointment online.
- Book directly through your primary care provider. They can review your child’s record and catch them up on any shots they may have missed.
- Check out immunize.ca to answer any questions you may have regarding what vaccines your child needs and any other questions on your mind.
- Make a reminder for your child’s next checkup, that way you don’t find yourself scrambling last minute before the school year starts.
Immunizations are just one piece of getting ready for the new school year. If costs like supplies or new clothing are adding pressure, help is available. Dial 211 or visit the 211 website to connect to local resources and programs that support families with back-to-school expenses and help ease the burden.
Getting your child ready for school can be stressful. Quick immunization checks now, paired with the right community supports, can make the transition back to the classroom easier on the whole family.
