UTICA — Summer has begun and is a great time to get those “To Do” lists done — and making sure your children are up to date with immunizations should be high on the list, according to an announcement Monday by the Oneida County Heath Department.

All children, grades pre-K through grade 12 must receive all required doses of required vaccines in order to attend school in New York State.

“Vaccines are crucial to public health”, said County Health Commissioner Daniel W. Gilmore. “They not only protect the individual but they stop the spread of disease throughout the entire community”.

Vaccinations provide immunity against serious health diseases, some life-threatening. Vaccines are safe and effective, the county said, adding they are studied through a team of medical and public health experts, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), who review data and make recommendations including who should receive the vaccines, when they would best be received and how many doses offer the best protection.

Within the first 14 days of school, if a child is not up to date with the required vaccinations, he or she could face exclusion from school in New York State, the announcementsaid. The only exemptions considered would be due to medical reasons.

If children are unvaccinated or overdue, they must receive the first dose within those first 14 days and have a follow up plan to complete the required doses.

Parents should reach out to their children’s provider to make sure they have met all requirements for school and if not, make an appointment soon, the county urged. “We encourage parents to not delay. Providers may not be able to accommodate last minute appointments,” the announcement said.

Vaccines are also available at the Oneida County Health Department by appointment only by calling 315-798-5747.

Hours vary and can be found at: https://www.ocgov.net//oneida/health/LocationsContactUs

For more information about vaccines, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/

Additionally, to learn more about what is required in New York State specifically, visit: https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/immunization/