“Back to School” means vaccines for students

ANNA, Ill. (KBSI) – “Back to school” is right around the corner and schools are requiring that students get certain vaccines before the new school year starts.

Many southern Illinois schools begin classes between August 10 through August 20.

Shawna Rhine, Community Outreach Coordinator for Southern Seven, says parents in Illinois are required to have at least scheduled an appointment within the first 30 days from the first day of school.

She recommends parents take care of that as soon as possible.

“Every year we encourage families who have children to make sure that you get those back-to-school shots done early. The state of Illinois requires a total of 12 vaccines to enter school,” explains Rhine. “And those are done at different stages and ages, not necessarily done all at once.”

Some children may have an immune deficiency or may be allergic to certain vaccines. Rhine recommends visiting your local primary care physician to learn more about which vaccines your child can take.

For more information about vaccines and which ones are needed, you can visit the Illinois Department of Public Heath website.