County Health Department Urges Families To Check Vaccines Before School Starts

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — As families get ready for the new school year, the Rockland County Department of Health is urging parents and caregivers to review their children's vaccination records and make sure students are current on recommended and required shots before classes begin.

The department said the reminder comes as recent measles cases have been reported in New York State and after two measles-related deaths in Pennsylvania. The agency said vaccine-preventable diseases can still spread, even though there are currently no reported measles cases in Rockland County.

According to the department, families should review vaccine records before school starts and confirm children have required school vaccines, including measles, mumps, and rubella, or MMR, tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis, or Tdap, polio, chickenpox, also called varicella, and other recommended vaccines. The department also said parents who are unsure of a child's vaccine history should talk with their healthcare provider or contact the Rockland County Department of Health.

The agency said families should keep vaccine records organized and stored in a safe place. Vaccines are available at no cost through healthcare providers or the Rockland County Department of Health, according to the announcement.

"Vaccination is one of the best ways to protect children, families, and our community," said Dr. Mary Leahy, Rockland County Department of Health Commissioner. "As the new school year approaches, we encourage everyone to check their children's vaccine records and make sure they are up to date. Taking these steps now prevents the spread of measles and other serious, preventable diseases."

The department said staying current on immunizations is an important way to reduce risk and help keep classrooms healthy and safe as students return. Families looking for more information can call the Rockland County Department of Health at 845-364-2497.