With the Fourth of July holiday now behind us, back-to-school season is already getting underway, with school supplies filling store shelves across the area.

Along with picking up notebooks, backpacks, and pencils, local health department officials are reminding parents not to overlook one of the most important items on the back-to-school checklist. That important checklist item is making sure their child's vaccinations are up to date.

The Christian County Health Department says scheduling immunizations early can help families avoid the rush of last-minute appointments before the new school year begins. Health officials also say getting vaccinated now helps reduce stress as the first day of school approaches while simultaneously helping protect students, teachers, and classmates from preventable illnesses throughout the school year.

Health officials are encouraging parents  to check their child's immunization records now and schedule any needed vaccinations before summer comes to an end.

For more information, to ask questions, or to schedule an appointment, contact the Christian County Health Department at 217-824-4113. Calling your family’s primary care provider is another way to take care of your child’s vaccination needs.

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