It’s almost back-to-school season! Is your child up to date on their shots?

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the percentage of young children who are up to date on all their recommended vaccinations has gone from nearly 2/3 to less than half.

Here’s what you need to know to keep your child as healthy and safe as possible this fall:

• Getting immunized is about more than just COVID-19. COVID-19 is all over the news, but doctors recommend a number of immunizations for kids as they grow. Getting your child immunized on time will help protect them against many serious diseases, including mumps and measles.
• It’s free. There’s no cost to get recommended immunizations.
• It’s okay to be scared. Kids of all ages get scared of needles. Here’s a few tips for conquering the jitters.
• Your health care team is here to help. Contact your child’s doctor or health care provider to ask if your child needs any recommended shots. Colleen Haller, Community Health Plan of Washington’s (CHPW) Director of Quality, says, “Many clinics can schedule a nurse visit for immunizations alone or provide them in the pharmacy, depending on the immunization and age of the child.” You can also schedule a full well-child appointment.

When should I schedule my child’s immunization appointment?

Life gets busy, and that’s true for your local health provider as well as for you and your family. So when should you schedule important doctor visits, like well-child checkups and immunizations?

LuAnn Chen, CHPW’s Senior Medical Director, advises that every clinic is different. However, she says, “Routine preventive care should be scheduled about a month in advance in many clinics.”

Did you know you can get rewards when your child gets recommended vaccinations?

CHPW Apple Health members get a $20 gift card for each well-child visit. Learn how the Well-Child Program works. So be safe, be smart, and make sure your child gets their shots!