As the school year begins, it’s time to make sure our Native children are healthy and ready to learn. Vaccines protect kids from serious illnesses like measles, whooping cough, and the flu—diseases that spread quickly in schools and can harm our elders and communities.Â
In California, students must have certain vaccines before starting school. These include shots for DTaP, polio, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), hepatitis B, and chickenpox. For 7th graders, a Tdap booster and a second chickenpox shot are also required. Staying up to date helps kids stay in class, take part in sports and culture, and protect others.
UIHS offers free vaccines for eligible Native youth in Northern California. With care rooted in Native values, UIHS helps families meet California’s Shots for School rules while keeping our communities strong.
Vaccination is more than personal health—it’s an act of love. When we vaccinate, we protect our elders, honor our ancestors, and care for future generations. Every shot helps keep our people safe, our traditions alive, and our communities well.
Now is the time to schedule your child’s school vaccines. Ask your local UIHS clinic or provider about required and recommended shots, including HPV and COVID-19 for older students.
Let’s start the school year strong. Vaccinate before school begins—and help protect the future of our people.