"August is the best time for back-to-school immunizations and the earlier in August, the better," said Gerald A. Wagner, M.D., medical director of the Orange County Health Care Agency’s immunization program. "Our immunization clinics are not as busy now as they will be during the first week of September, meaning there are shorter waits now for clinic visits."

The Health Care Agency offers immunization clinics in Santa Ana, Buena Park, Costa Mesa and San Juan Capistrano. For information on days and hours of operation, call the Health Referral Line at 1-800-564-8448.

This time of year is also ideal for a back-to-school health check-up for your child. "Proof of a physical examination is required for all children entering first grade," said Dr. Wagner. "We hope parents will take this opportunity to ensure that their children are ready to return to school. School supplies and new clothes are important, but up-to-date immunizations and a good health report are far more significant."

This year, the State of California has added a requirement for a chickenpox, or varicella, immunization for all children entering kindergarten, for children 18 months of age and older who are enrolled in childcare, and for any child entering school in California for the first time, regardless of age. If a child has already had chickenpox, your healthcare provider can indicate this information on the child’s immunization record to fulfill the entry requirement.

Because of the nationwide shortage of tetanus vaccine, routine boosters of tetanus-containing vaccines are not currently being offered. Only those doses of tetanus vaccines necessary to meet school entry requirements for the completion of a basic immunization series are being given at this time.