PASADENA, Calif. – As students prepare to return to the classroom, the Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) encourages families to make sure children are up to date on their routine vaccinations before the new school year begins. Routine childhood vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect children from serious diseases, helping them stay healthy, reduce the spread of illness in schools, and spend more time learning and participating in the activities they enjoy.
"Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect children's health and support a successful school year," said Dr. Parveen Kaur, Health Officer. "By making sure children are up to date on their routine immunizations, families help protect not only their own children, but also classmates, teachers, and the broader community."
California law requires students attending public and private schools, as well as children attending licensed childcare facilities, to receive age-appropriate immunizations before entry. These requirements help prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases in educational settings.
Routine childhood vaccines are recommended by trusted medical experts and have been extensively studied for safety and effectiveness. The West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) and California Department of Public Health recommend that parents continue to follow the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) immunization schedule for children and teens. Children who are up to date on their routine immunizations will satisfy California's school entry vaccine requirements.
Most health insurance plans, including Medi-Cal, cover recommended childhood vaccines at no out-of-pocket cost. Children who are eligible for the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program can receive recommended vaccines at no cost through participating providers.
Families should contact their child's healthcare provider to schedule any needed vaccinations before the start of the school year. Those without a regular healthcare provider can contact the Pasadena Public Health Department or visit a participating clinic or pharmacy to learn about available vaccination services.
Pasadena Unified School District is offering its Annual Student Immunization Clinic and Tuberculosis (TB) Services from August 12 to 14 at 351 S. Hudson Ave., Room 130. Appointments are available from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 2:30 p.m. Walk-ins are accepted from 3 to 4 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. Immunization services are available for uninsured and underinsured students, and TB testing is available for all students. To schedule an appointment, call (626) 396-3600 ext. 88180.
For information about California's school immunization requirements, visit the California Department of Public Health's Shots for School program website.
To learn more about routine childhood vaccinations and available immunization services in Pasadena, visit the Pasadena Public Health Department's Immunization Services website.