August is National Immunization Awareness Month
SPRINGFIELD – Although school will look different this year because of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), whether it’s remote learning, in the classroom, or a hybrid, kids should still receive their routine vaccinations. Vaccines help protect children from diseases like chickenpox and pertussis, which remain common in the U.S.
The immunization requirements for the 2020-2021 school year are the same as last year. The requirements can be found on the IDPH website under immunizations.
Adults should get a flu vaccine each year and receive a Td (tetanus and diphtheria) booster vaccine or Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) every 10 years. Tdap is also recommended for pregnant women during each pregnancy. Adults 50 years and older are recommended to receive the shingles vaccine. Adults 65 and older are also recommended to receive both pneumococcal vaccines, although one year apart.
