Summer-- when kids are out of school and available for medical appointments -- is a great time to get them immunized against potentially serious diseases.

State law requires that children entering school be immunized to protect themselves and the rest of the community.

State-required vaccinations include protection against life-threatening diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, Hepatitis B and chicken pox. Others, not required by the state, but recommended by health care providers include include Menactra (meningitis), Gardiasil series (HPV) and Hepatitis A series vaccines.

There are some new immunization requirements this school year as well: 1) booster dose of the chicken pox vaccine for kids entering kindergarten and 1st grade, 2) booster dose of whooping cough vaccine for 6th, 7th, 10th and 11th graders, and 3) Pneumococcal disease vaccine for children entering child care facilities.

There are various places you can get your vaccinations, including your health-care provider. You can get a physician referral from Memorial Hospital by calling (719) 444-CARE. You can also get a referral from Penrose St. Francis Ask-a-Nurse program. Call (719) 776-5555 to reach them.

If you don't have a health-care provider or insurance, there are options: 1) become a member of Peak Vista Community Health Centers (call (719) 632-5700), 2) contact El Paso County Department of Health and Environment (call (719) 578-3272).

Anytime you need health or human services information and referrals, you can always call 2-1-1 or, toll free, dial 1-866-488-9742.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says vaccines are among the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century and for good reason; they protect against life-threatening disease.

The El Paso County health department says don't wait to catch-up on vaccinations. The closer it gets to going back to school the harder it is to get an appointment. The end of July through September are typically the busiest times for immunizations.

For more information, you can click on the link below to visit the El Paso County health department's website. Join us next week for KKTV 11 News Health Department Tuesday.