National Immunization Awareness Month is an annual observance held in August to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages. Themes this year include making sure vaccination records are up-to-date during the back-to-school process, as well as informing adults that vaccinations are not just for children.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Public Health Information Coalition have created toolkits for providers to reach out to their patients about the importance of immunization this month.

The New Jersey Department of Health is also participating in National Immunization Awareness Month.

“In preparation for back-to-school, parents should speak with their health care providers to make sure their children are vaccinated,” Health Commissioner Cathleen Bennett said. “When children are not vaccinated, they are at increased risk for illness and can spread disease to others in their play groups, child care centers, classrooms and communities.”

Information about New Jersey's immunization requirements for child care, preschool, school and college can be found on the Department of Health’s web site.