Measles? Polio? Pertussis? Not very demure, not very cutesy. As back-to-school season is underway, it’s a great time to make sure you and your family are up-to-date on routine vaccinations. Vaccination rates among children have dropped in recent years, both because of missed check-ups due to COVID and increased exemptions from school vaccine requirements. In the 2022-2023 school year, exemptions exceeded 5% among kindergarteners in 10 states, increasing the risk for outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. So, if you’ve missed a wellness visit or two, or are not 100% sure your family is caught up on vaccinations, check in with your health care provider or local health department today. It’s the best way to protect against many serious, but preventable, illnesses. P.S. Updated flu and COVID shots are expected to be available widely in September and RSV vaccines are currently available. #NationalImmunizationAwarenessMonth