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 vaccinations. This recommendation comes during National Immunization Awareness Month in August, as health officials highlight the role of routine vaccines in preventing serious illnesses and maintaining high immunization rates within communities.
California’s immunization rates for kindergarten students remain above the national average, according to CDPH. The department emphasizes that staying current with recommended vaccines not only prevents disease outbreaks but also reduces hospitalizations and helps keep children engaged in school activities.
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.”
The call for vigilance comes amid an increase in measles cases nationally. As of July 2025, measles cases in the United States have surpassed any year since 2000—when vaccination efforts led health authorities to declare its elimination domestically. Over 90% of those infected this year were unvaccinated; more than one-tenth required hospitalization—including intensive care—and three people have died from what health officials describe as a preventable disease.
In California specifically, more than 95% of kindergarteners continue to receive coverage for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine—a rate that has helped prevent community spread over nearly a decade. However, CDPH stresses ongoing vaccination is necessary for continued protection.
State law requires students attending public or private schools—as well as licensed childcare centers—to receive age-appropriate immunizations. These institutions must enforce immunization requirements by keeping records on enrolled children’s vaccination status and reporting this data back to CDPH.
Families seeking more information can consult resources such as CDPH’s Shots for School or Don’t Wait – Vaccinate! webpages for details about legal requirements and recommended vaccinations. Additional guidance is available through healthcare providers or local health departments. Most insurance plans cover recommended vaccines without out-of-pocket costs; uninsured children may qualify for no-cost immunizations through programs like Vaccines for Children.
