PENNSYLVANIA — August is National Immunization Awareness Month, and the Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians (PAFP) is encouraging everyone, especially parents of school-aged students, to make sure they are up to date on their immunizations and flu vaccination. 

“Protect yourself and those around you—stay up to date on your vaccinations this summer,” PAFP president Heather Beauparlant, DO, MBA, FAAFP, said. “Whether you’re preparing for school, travel, or just enjoying time with friends and family, vaccinations help prevent the spread of serious illnesses. A quick visit to your primary care provider’s office now can mean a healthier, safer flu season for everyone.”

To ensure their children’ s health and avoid any issues as the new school year begins, PAFP encourages parents to make appointments now with their regular pediatrician or family medicine physician to get their required vaccinations. For children 8 years of age and older, parents can make an appointment with their local pharmacist for immunizations.

However, PAFP recommends utilizing your child’s physician-led medical home for vaccines to ensure they are receiving the correct immunizations, obtain the required documentation for your school system, and have a trusted provider if an adverse reaction were to occur. 

If a child doesn’t have a medical home, now is a good time to establish one, PAFP said. Vaccine visits are also a very good time to address any health issues and schedule an annual wellness visit. 

More information on school immunization regulations is available at the Pennsylvania Department of Health at www.pa.gov/agencies/health/programs/immunizations/schools.