Return to Articles

8.03.2026

National Immunization Awareness Month: Protecting Nevada's Youngest Children

Every August, National Immunization Awareness Month reminds families about one of the most important ways to protect children’s health: staying up to date on recommended vaccines. Vaccines help protect babies, young children, and communities from serious diseases that once caused many hospitalizations and deaths. They also help children stay healthy, learn, play, and be ready for school.

For Nevada families with children from the prenatal stage through age 5, immunizations are an important part of routine health care. Keeping up with well-child visits and recommended vaccines helps ensure children are protected during their early years, when they are still building their immune systems.

Why Immunizations Matter

Vaccines work by teaching the body how to recognize and fight diseases before a child is exposed to them. This protection can prevent illnesses such as measles, whooping cough (pertussis), polio, hepatitis, and chickenpox. Many of these diseases can spread quickly in group settings, including child care programs, preschools, and schools.

When most people in a community are vaccinated, it helps protect those who are too young to receive certain vaccines or who have medical conditions that make vaccination difficult. This community protection is especially important for infants and other vulnerable children.

Vaccination Begins Before Birth

Immunization awareness starts during pregnancy. Expectant parents can talk with their health care provider about recommended vaccines during pregnancy and about the vaccines their baby will need after birth. Planning ahead can help parents feel confident about their child’s vaccine schedule and ensure that important well-baby visits are not missed.

After birth, pediatricians and family health care providers follow recommended immunization schedules designed to protect children as early as possible. Regular checkups give families an opportunity to ask questions, learn about upcoming vaccines, and track their child’s growth and development.

Vaccines and Nevada Child Care Programs

Many Nevada children attend child care centers, family child care homes, or preschool programs before entering kindergarten. To help keep children safe, Nevada requires immunization documentation for children attending licensed child care facilities. Child care programs must also report immunization information annually to the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health.

The vaccines required for children in child care or preschool vary based on the child’s age and may include protection against diseases such as:

• Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP)
• Polio (IPV)
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
• Pneumococcal disease (PCV)
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
• Varicella (chickenpox)

Because requirements can change as children get older, families should work closely with their child’s health care provider and child care program to ensure immunization records remain current.

Getting Ready for Pre-K and Kindergarten

Starting school is an exciting milestone for children and families. It is also a good time to review immunization records well before the first day of class.

Nevada law requires children entering kindergarten and students new to a Nevada school district to show proof of required immunizations unless they qualify for a medical or religious exemption.

Current Nevada kindergarten entry requirements include:

• 5 doses of DTaP (or 4 doses if the last dose was given after age 4)
• 4 doses of polio vaccine
• 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine
• 2 doses of hepatitis A vaccine
• 2 doses of MMR vaccine
• 2 doses of varicella vaccine, or documentation of immunity/history of chickenpox as allowed by state requirements

These requirements help protect classrooms and reduce the risk of outbreaks that can disrupt learning and place young children at risk.

A practical tip for families is to schedule a wellness visit several months before school begins. This allows enough time to review records, receive any needed vaccines, and complete school enrollment paperwork without last-minute stress.

TIP: Nevada WebIZ is an online portal which allows parents and legal guardians access to their child’s immunization records. Click here to learn more.

Common Questions from Parents

Are vaccines safe?

Vaccines used in the United States undergo extensive testing and ongoing safety monitoring. Health experts continuously review vaccine safety data to ensure vaccines meet high standards for safety and effectiveness. Families with questions should talk with their child’s health care provider, who can provide information specific to their child’s health needs.

What if my child is behind on vaccines?

If a child has missed one or more recommended vaccines, it is often possible to get back on schedule. Health care providers can create a catch-up immunization plan that helps children receive the protection they need. Parents do not need to restart a vaccine series simply because time has passed between doses.

What if I cannot find my child’s immunization record?

Many health care providers maintain vaccination records, and Nevada families can also ask their provider for assistance in locating immunization information. Checking records well before enrollment deadlines can help avoid delays when registering for child care, preschool, or kindergarten. You can also access records through Nevada WebIZ.

Helping Children Thrive

Immunizations are just one part of raising healthy children, but they play a vital role in protecting families and communities. When children are vaccinated on time, they are better protected from illnesses that can lead to missed school days, medical visits, and serious complications.

National Immunization Awareness Month is an ideal time to review your child’s immunization record, schedule well-child visits, and talk with a trusted health care provider about any questions you may have. Whether your child is a newborn, a toddler entering child care, or a preschooler getting ready for kindergarten, staying up to date on vaccines is one of the best ways to support their health and future success.

By working together—families, health care providers, child care programs, and schools—we can help Nevada’s youngest children grow, learn, and thrive in safe and healthy environments.

For more information about Nevada school and child care immunization requirements, families can visit the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health Immunization Program website or speak with their child’s health care provider.