It's almost that time of year!  You know...the time to stock up on crayons, loose leaf paper and polished apples.  While many of us may be out buying our kids new shoes and perhaps getting our kids a haircut, many schools require that our kids have their check ups and immunizations before they can start school.  It is not a surprise then that August is National Immunization Awareness Month. 

What if your kids are between the ages where a check up for school is required?  Are there things you should be doing?  What if you're not sure whether or not your child needs any vaccinations?  USA.gov provides links to help you find the answers.  The site reads "In the United States, vaccinations (also known as immunizations) are issued through local health facilities or doctor's offices. To find out which vaccinations are required in your area, contact the appropriate state health department. If you are looking for vaccination information for a child, check with the child's doctor, the local health department, or the child's school district for assistance.

"More information on vaccines and immunizations is also available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For information by telephone, please call the CDC information line at 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)."

The Healia Health Blog also provides an informative post on immunizations.  It reads, "Vaccines have eradicated smallpox, eliminated wild poliovirus in the U.S. and significantly reduced the number of cases of measles, diphtheria, rubella, pertussis, and other diseases. Despite these efforts, today tens of thousands of people in the U.S. still die from these and other vaccine-preventable diseases."  It also provides helpful links for more information on vaccines.  

You may be wondering why this applies to you if you don't have kids.  The CDC says "Getting immunized is a lifelong, life-protecting community effort regardless of age, sex, race, ethnic background or country of origin. Recommended vaccinations begin soon after birth and continue throughout life. Being aware of the vaccines that are recommended for infants, children, adolescents, adults of all ages and seniors, and making sure that we receive these immunizations, are critical to protecting ourselves and our communities from disease."  They also provide an on-line immunization schedules for children and adults.  

Alex Elliot also blogs at Formula Fed and Flexible Parenting