August is National Immunization Awareness Month, a time to recognize one of the most effective ways parents can help keep their children healthy: staying up to date on vaccinations.
As families prepare for a new school year, it is a good opportunity to review immunization records and make sure children have the vaccines they need. Vaccines help protect against serious diseases that can cause severe illness, lifelong complications and, in some cases, death. They also help keep schools, families and communities healthier by reducing the spread of infectious diseases.
Many parents today have never seen illnesses such as polio, measles or bacterial meningitis because vaccines have made these diseases far less common. However, these diseases still exist and can spread quickly when vaccination rates decline. Recent outbreaks across the country are a reminder that vaccine-preventable diseases remain a real threat.
How vaccines protect children
Vaccines work by helping the body’s immune system recognize and fight harmful viruses and bacteria before they can cause serious illness. In many cases, vaccines can prevent infection altogether or significantly reduce the severity of illness if exposure occurs.
Children are especially vulnerable to many infectious diseases because their immune systems are still developing. Vaccination provides protection during the years when they need it most. For a list of vaccines recommended by the state, which mirrors the recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics, visit https://health.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur1006/files/2026-02/child-immunization-schedule-public.pdf.
Why school-required vaccines matter
Rhode Island requires certain vaccinations for students to help protect the health of children and reduce the risk of disease outbreaks in schools. Children entering kindergarten must be vaccinated against diseases including diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox. Older students are also required to receive vaccines such as Tdap and meningococcal vaccine at specific grade levels.
Each of these vaccines protects against diseases that can have serious consequences:
- DTaP protects against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough). Whooping cough can be especially dangerous for infants and young children.
- Polio vaccine protects against a disease that can cause paralysis and permanent disability.
- Hepatitis B vaccine helps prevent an infection that can lead to chronic liver disease and liver cancer later in life.
- MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella. Measles is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and brain inflammation.
- Varicella vaccine protects against chickenpox, which can sometimes result in severe illness and complications.
- Tdap vaccine provides booster protection against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis during adolescence.
- Meningococcal vaccine helps prevent bacterial meningitis and bloodstream infections that can become life-threatening very quickly.
The important thing these diseases have in common is that they can cause serious harm, but they are also largely preventable through vaccination.
Addressing concerns about vaccine safety
It is natural for parents to have questions about vaccines. Fortunately, vaccines are among the most carefully tested and monitored medical products available. Before a vaccine is approved, it undergoes extensive research and evaluation. Safety monitoring continues even after vaccines are in widespread use.
Most children experience no side effects or only mild, temporary reactions such as soreness at the injection site, a low fever or fatigue. Serious reactions are rare. For the vast majority of children, the risks associated with vaccine-preventable diseases are far greater than the risks associated with vaccination.
Parents who have questions should feel comfortable discussing them with their child’s pediatrician or health care provider. These conversations can help families make informed decisions based on trusted medical information.
Getting ready for the school year
Before the busy back-to-school season begins, take a few minutes to check your child’s immunization record and schedule any needed appointments. If you are unsure whether your child is up to date on vaccinations, contact your pediatrician or health care provider. The Rhode Island Department of Health also offers helpful information for parents at: https://health.ri.gov/immunization/information/parents.
Helping children stay current on recommended vaccines is one of the simplest and most important steps parents can take to protect their health today and for years to come.
Christopher Ottiano, M.D., is the interim chief medical officer at Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island