vaccine

Immunization Awareness Month: Staying Up to Date at Every Age

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August is National Immunization Awareness Month, an opportunity to check in on one of the most important tools available for preventing infectious disease: vaccination.

Immunizations are not just a childhood health measure. Vaccines need to change throughout life based on age, health history, occupation, travel, pregnancy, and other factors. Staying current with recommended vaccines can help protect you from serious illness while also reducing the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases within families, workplaces, schools and the broader community.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) provides immunization information and resources for Connecticut residents of all ages.

Infants and Young Children: Building Protection Early

The first years of life are an important time for immunization because young children can be particularly vulnerable to complications from infectious diseases.

Childhood vaccines provide protection against diseases including measles, mumps, rubella, polio, pertussis (whooping cough), hepatitis A and B, chickenpox, and others.

Parents and caregivers should work with their child's healthcare provider to make sure vaccines are administered at the recommended ages. CT DPH provides vaccine information for parents and caregivers, including links to current childhood and adolescent immunization schedules.

Connecticut also operates the Connecticut Vaccine Program (CVP), which supplies vaccines to participating healthcare providers for children under age 19.

School-Age Children and Teens: Keeping Protection on Schedule

As children enter school and move into adolescence, additional vaccines and booster doses become important.

Depending on age and vaccination history, these can include vaccines protecting against:

  • Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Meningococcal disease
  • Seasonal influenza
  • Other diseases based on individual circumstances

The HPV vaccine is particularly important during adolescence because it can prevent infections that can cause several types of cancer later in life.

Families should review immunization records during annual physicals and before the start of a new school year. Connecticut families can also use the state's CT WiZ Public Portal to access immunization records for themselves or their minor children.

Young Adults: Don't Let Vaccines Fall Off the Checklist

Graduating from high school or moving away from home can mean taking greater responsibility for your own healthcare—including vaccinations.

College students, especially those living in dormitories or other shared housing, should make sure they meet applicable vaccination requirements and discuss recommended vaccines with a healthcare provider. Young adults should also determine whether they have completed the recommended vaccine series, including HPV vaccination.

This is also a good time to start maintaining your own vaccination record. You may need it for college, employment, healthcare work, or international travel.

Adults: Vaccination Is Preventive Care

Vaccines remain an important part of preventive healthcare throughout adulthood. As CT DPH notes on its Adult Immunizations page, protection from some childhood vaccines can decrease over time, and adults can become vulnerable to different diseases as they age.

Depending on your age, health history, and other risk factors, your healthcare provider may recommend vaccines for diseases such as influenza, tetanus and pertussis, hepatitis A or B, shingles, pneumococcal disease, and others.

Rather than assuming you're up to date, make vaccination history part of your routine conversations with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Older Adults: Protection Becomes Especially Important

Our immune systems change as we age, and some infections are more likely to cause serious complications in older adults.

Vaccines recommended based on age and individual risk can provide protection against illnesses such as shingles, pneumococcal disease, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Because recommendations can depend on your age, previous vaccinations, and medical conditions, talk with a healthcare provider about which vaccines are appropriate for you. CT DPH maintains vaccine information by population and vaccine type to help residents learn more.

Pregnancy and Other Health Considerations

Vaccination recommendations can also change during pregnancy or because of certain medical conditions, medications, occupations, or travel plans.

Some vaccines are specifically recommended during pregnancy to help protect both the pregnant person and the baby, while others should not be given during pregnancy. People with certain chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems may also have different vaccination needs.

For these situations, consult your healthcare provider rather than relying solely on age-based recommendations.

Not Sure What You've Already Received?

It's common for adults to lose track of vaccination records over the years.

If you received vaccinations in Connecticut, the CT WiZ Public Portal can help you access your immunization record or your minor child's record. Keep in mind that older vaccinations or vaccines administered outside Connecticut may not appear in the system, so records from previous healthcare providers can also be helpful.

Make Immunizations Part of Your Preventive Health Routine

National Immunization Awareness Month is a good reminder to take a few simple steps:

  1. Check your vaccination record.
  2. Review the vaccines recommended for your age and circumstances.
  3. Ask your healthcare provider about missing vaccines or booster doses.
  4. Keep your vaccination records in a safe, accessible place.
  5. Encourage family members to review their records, too.

Vaccination recommendations can change as new evidence becomes available. For current guidance from the Connecticut Department of Public Health, visit the Immunization Program.

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The Back-to-School Vaccine Checklist: Preschool Through Grade 12

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Mother Saying Goodbye To Children As They Leave For School

As families prepare for a new school year, immunization records should be part of the back-to-school checklist. Connecticut requires students enrolled in preschool through Grade 12 to have certain vaccinations based on their age and grade level. These requirements help protect individual students while reducing the spread of vaccine-preventable illnesses in schools and throughout the community.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) states that Connecticut’s childhood immunization schedule and school requirements remain in effect and continue to follow the state’s established standard of care.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to review their child’s immunization record before the school year begins and contact their healthcare provider if any required doses are missing or overdue.

Why Vaccination Matters

Schools bring hundreds of children and adults into close contact every day, creating opportunities for infectious diseases to spread. Routine vaccination helps prevent outbreaks and can reduce illnesses and school absences among students and staff.

Vaccines are recommended throughout childhood to protect against potentially serious diseases. Connecticut families can also access childhood vaccines through providers participating in the Connecticut Vaccine Program (CVP). CT DPH notes that healthcare providers in Connecticut who vaccinate children under age 19 participate in the program.

Connecticut School Immunization Requirements

The following is a simplified reference based on the Connecticut Department of Public Health's Immunization Requirements for Enrolled Students in Connecticut Schools, revised January 22, 2026. Families should use this as a general guide and consult their child's healthcare provider and school for individual requirements.

Preschool

Vaccine Requirement
Hepatitis B 3 doses; last dose must be on or after 24 weeks of age
DTaP 4 doses by 18 months for programs beginning at 18 months
Polio 3 doses by 18 months for programs beginning at 18 months
MMR 1 dose on or after the first birthday
Varicella (chickenpox) 1 dose on or after the first birthday
Hepatitis A 2 doses separated by 6 calendar months; first dose on or after the first birthday
Hib At least 1 dose on or after the first birthday*
Pneumococcal At least 1 dose on or after the first birthday*
Influenza 1 dose annually between August 1 and December 31; children receiving flu vaccine for the first time may require 2 doses at least 28 days apart*

*Hib, pneumococcal, and the preschool influenza requirement are not required for students age 5 and older.

Kindergarten

Vaccine Requirement
Hepatitis B 3 doses; last dose on or after 24 weeks of age
DTaP 4 doses; last dose on or after the fourth birthday
Polio 3 doses; last dose on or after the fourth birthday
MMR 2 doses separated by at least 28 days; first dose on or after the first birthday
Varicella 2 doses; first dose on or after the first birthday, or verification of disease
Hepatitis A 2 doses separated by 6 calendar months; first dose on or after the first birthday
Hib At least 1 dose on or after the first birthday*
Pneumococcal At least 1 dose on or after the first birthday*

*Not required for students age 5 and older. Verification of previous varicella disease must be confirmed in writing by an MD, PA or APRN.

Grades 1–6

Vaccine Requirement
Hepatitis B 3 doses; last dose on or after 24 weeks of age
DTaP/Td 4 doses; last dose on or after the fourth birthday. Students beginning the series at age 7 or older need 3 doses
Polio 3 doses; last dose on or after the fourth birthday
MMR 2 doses separated by at least 28 days; first dose on or after the first birthday
Varicella 2 doses; first dose on or after the first birthday, or verification of disease
Hepatitis A 2 doses separated by 6 calendar months; first dose on or after the first birthday

Grades 7–12

Vaccine Requirement
Hepatitis B 3 doses; last dose on or after 24 weeks of age
Tdap/Td 1 dose for students who completed the primary DTaP series. Students beginning the series at age 7 or older need 3 tetanus-diphtheria-containing doses, including one Tdap
Polio 3 doses; last dose on or after the fourth birthday
MMR 2 doses separated by at least 28 days; first dose on or after the first birthday
Varicella 2 doses; first dose on or after the first birthday, or verification of disease
Hepatitis A 2 doses separated by 6 calendar months; applies to students born January 1, 2007 or later
Meningococcal 1 dose of conjugate vaccine

Required Vaccines vs. Recommended Vaccines

School requirements establish the vaccinations students need for enrollment, but they should not necessarily be treated as a complete vaccination schedule.

Families should talk with their child's healthcare provider about all vaccines recommended for their child's age, even when a vaccine is not specifically required for school attendance. CT DPH provides additional vaccine information and age-based resources for parents and caregivers.

For example, the vaccination schedule recommended by medical organizations may include additional vaccines or booster doses based on a child's age, health history and other risk factors.

Check Immunization Records Before the First Day

Don't wait until the week before school begins to discover that a vaccine or documentation is missing. Some vaccine series require multiple doses given at specific intervals, which means catching up can take time.

Parents and caregivers can:

  • Review their child's vaccination record and compare it with the current Connecticut school requirements.
  • Contact the child's pediatrician or healthcare provider to determine whether vaccinations are due.
  • Check with the child's school about required health forms and vaccination documentation.
  • Access immunization records through CT WiZ, Connecticut's Immunization Information System.
  • Start catch-up vaccinations early if a child is behind on vaccinations. Connecticut provides specific catch-up guidance for students enrolled in preschool through Grade 12.

Connecticut law requires certain vaccinations for children attending school or day care, and CT DPH maintains the state's current requirements, exemption information and catch-up guidance online.

Make Vaccines Part of Your Back-to-School Checklist

A new backpack and school supplies may get most of the attention, but checking your child's immunization record is an important part of preparing for the school year.

Families with questions about which vaccines their child needs should contact their pediatrician or healthcare provider. For questions specifically about Connecticut's school immunization requirements, contact the Connecticut Department of Public Health Immunization Program at 860-509-7929.

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How Checking Your Vaccination Status Helps Prevent the Spread of Measles

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With measles cases rising across the United States, the Connecticut Department of Public Health recently encouraged all Connecticut residents to verify their vaccination status. By doing so, people can ensure that their protection against measles is adequate and take steps to update their vaccination if needed.

As of March 20th, 2025, there were 378 confirmed cases of measles across 18 jurisdictions in the United States. These cases have led to one confirmed death and one death under investigation, and have overwhelmingly affected people who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.

No cases have emerged in Connecticut, and the state’s strong vaccination rate is a good step toward herd immunity. This occurs when at least 95 percent of a community has been vaccinated against a disease, helping to stop its spread and protecting those in the community who are unable to receive the vaccine.

Here’s how you can check your vaccination status and see if you may need to take action to help strengthen the health of the community.

 

How a Vaccination Status Check Works

To check your vaccination status, you need to look up your medical records to confirm that you received a measles vaccine. The Connecticut Department of Public Health provides an immunization portal to safely and securely check your vaccine status or that of your child. This system began collecting records for children in 1998 and adults in 2022.

You can also check with your doctor’s office to see if they have immunization records on file. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says adults can potentially find this information from childhood records, school health departments, or past employers.

Since it can sometimes be challenging to find these records, a doctor can also order a blood test to determine your immunity to measles. The measles titer test measures the level of measles antibodies in your blood to determine if you have sufficient protection. 

 

When You Might Need to Update Your Measles Vaccine

The measles vaccine was first licensed in the United States in 1963. Since 1971, it has been available as part of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine to provide protection against additional diseases.

Your protection against measles is significantly dependent on your age:

  • People born before 1957: These individuals are generally considered immune to measles due to widespread exposure to the disease during this time.
  • People born between 1958 to 1962: These individuals were born shortly before the measles vaccine became available. This creates some uncertainty over whether they contracted measles or received a measles vaccine, so it is recommended that they confirm their immunity.
  • People born between 1963 and 1967: Some people born during this period received a killed or inactivated measles vaccine, which was later found to be less effective against the disease. These individuals should receive at least one dose of the live attenuated MMR vaccine.
  • People born between 1968 and 1989: During this period, those who got the MMR vaccine received one dose. Beginning in 1989, a two-dose regimen was recommended after research showed that some people did not develop full immunity from a single dose. If you were born during this time, it is recommended that you get a blood test to see if you need to receive a second dose.
  • People born after 1989: People vaccinated during this period fall within the current recommendation of receiving two doses of the MMR vaccine for optimal protection.

If you are unsure of your vaccination history, it is recommended that you get one dose of the MMR vaccine. 

 

Who Can (and Cannot) Get the Measles Vaccine

All children should receive two doses of MMR vaccine. The first dose is typically given between 12 and 15 months of age, while the second dose is given between ages 4 and 6. The vaccine is also recommended for infants between the ages of 6 and 11 months who are traveling internationally or to areas within the United States where there is an active measles transmission.

The vaccine can also be administered to adults who are unvaccinated or who show evidence of inadequate immunity. People who may be at higher risk of contracting measles, such as health care workers or international travelers, should ensure that they have been vaccinated and have strong immunity.

Your doctor may recommend that you not get the MMR vaccine if there is a concern that it might cause health complications. The vaccine is typically not recommended for:

  • Pregnant women
  • Individuals with a history of severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to gelatin or neomycin, which are components of the vaccine
  • Individuals who have weakened immune systems due to certain medical conditions or treatments (e.g., cancer, HIV, or high doses of corticosteroids)
  • People with active tuberculosis

Protecting our community from measles requires collective effort. By checking your vaccination status and ensuring you are fully immunized, you can help prevent the spread of this preventable disease.

For more information, visit the Connecticut Department of Public Health.