PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Health wants to remind families that August is National Immunization Awareness Month and with the back-to-school season in full swing, childhood immunizations can help protect the health of children and youth now and in the future. “Making sure that your child sees their doctor for well-child visits and recommended immunizations is one of the best things you can do to protect your child and community from serious diseases that are easily spread,” said Joan Adam, Department Secretary. “If you think you might be behind on your child’s immunization schedule, talk with your medical provider to determine what is best for you and your family to get back on track.” It’s easy to catch up by scheduling a well-child visit with your medical provider. During the visit, your child can get their recommended immunizations, you can track their growth and development, and you can discuss any other questions or concerns about their health.
Keeping children and adolescents up to date with recommended immunizations is the best way to protect them from vaccine-preventable diseases. Among children born from 1994-2018, immunizations prevented an estimated 936,000 early deaths, 8 million hospitalizations, and 419 million illnesses.
Learn more by viewing the recommended immunizations and ages to receive them on the immunization schedule for children ages 18 years or younger.
