As children across the area head back to school, the Christian County Health Department is reminding parents to make sure their children’s vaccinations are up to date.

Illinois has immunization requirements for students entering certain grades, and keeping vaccinations current helps protect not only individual children, but the entire school community.

For students entering kindergarten, required vaccinations include DTaP, which protects against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis; polio; hepatitis B; and MMRV, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella, or chickenpox.

Students entering sixth grade are required to have Tdap, which also protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, as well as a meningococcal vaccine, which helps protect against meningitis.

Students entering 11th or 12th grade are also required to have a meningococcal vaccine.

Parents are encouraged to check their child’s immunization records and make sure they have received all required vaccines and doses for their grade level. The Christian County Health Department reminds the community that keeping vaccinations up to date can help families start the new school year healthy, protected, and ready to learn.

If you’re unsure what your child needs, contact your healthcare provider or the Christian County Health Department at (217) 824-4113 for more information.

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