As students across California prepare to return to school, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is urging families to ensure their children are up to date on all recommended vaccinations. The reminder comes as part of National Immunization Awareness Month in August.
CDPH officials note that vaccination remains an important tool for preventing the spread of serious illnesses and keeping children healthy and able to attend school. According to CDPH, immunizations not only reduce hospitalizations and save lives but also help students continue participating in activities they enjoy.
Dr. Erica Pan, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer, stated: “When our youngest Californians are healthy and able to participate in learning and doing the things they love, the future of California is brighter. As a parent and a pediatrician, I am grateful for and confident in the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, which have transformed the leading causes of childhood deaths away from infectious diseases. CDPH remains committed to ensuring all California families have access to safe and effective vaccines, and the information they need to understand that vaccine recommendations are based on credible, transparent, and science-based evidence.”
Recent national data show a rise in measles cases in 2025 compared with previous years. The number of cases reported by July has already surpassed any annual total since 2000—the year when measles was declared eliminated in the United States by the World Health Organization due to widespread vaccination efforts. Over 90% of this year’s cases involved individuals who were not vaccinated; more than one in ten required hospitalization, including some admitted to intensive care units. Three people have died from measles this year.
California reports more than 95% coverage among kindergarteners for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine—a rate above the national average—and has maintained this level for nearly a decade. State health officials emphasize that maintaining high vaccination rates is critical for preventing community outbreaks.
Under state law, students must receive age-specific immunizations before attending public or private schools or licensed childcare centers. Schools are required to enforce these requirements by keeping records of student immunizations and reporting them to CDPH.
Families seeking more information about immunization laws or required vaccinations can visit resources such as Shots for School (https://www.shotsforschool.org/) or Don’t Wait – Vaccinate! (https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/dontwait-vaccinate.aspx). Additional facts about vaccines are available at CDPH’s Vaccine Facts webpage (https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/Vaccine-Facts.aspx).
Most health plans cover recommended vaccinations without out-of-pocket costs. Children without insurance may qualify for no-cost vaccines through programs like Vaccines for Children.
