Alberta Health Services (AHS) says back to school time is a good reminder for parents to check if vaccinations are up to date.

Medical Officer of Health with ASH, Dr. Judy MacDonald says it's a good time of year to think about immunizations before kids head back to class.

"We certainly do recommend, and have it in our routine immunization, schedule a visit to public health before starting school in kindergarten, for what we call 'preschool immunizations.' That is definitely something parents should be taking care of."

Dr. MacDonald says for older children, its always a reminder to check if they are up to date on their recommended vaccines.

"It's an opportunity for parents to check, 'are my child's immunizations up to date?' They should be because our public health nurses are very diligent about assessing immunization records but it doesn't hurt for parents to take on that responsibility as well."

There is another important message for those parents who have chosen not to vaccinate.

"It's an opportunity for us to remind them that this is the best way for us to protect their children against vaccine preventable diseases and potentially protect others by getting their child immunized."

There are some diseases like Tetanus as an example that are not transmitted from person to person.

"It is acquired from organisms in the soil, so if you have a cut or a wound of some kind, step on a rusty nail, then that child is at risk. If parents have chosen not to immunize their child against tetanus they are playing with fire."

MacDonald adds that diseases like measles are still out there and all it takes is someone traveling to be exposed and not be immune to start the spread.

"Immunize your child to protect them but also realize this can help protect others that aren't able to be immunized in the community."

There are many resources available for parents with questions about vaccines. The website 'Immunize Alberta.ca', a public health nurse, family physician, or pediatrician are all ways for parents to ask and receive information regarding immunizations.