Back-to-school time is full of rituals – from picking the perfect first-day outfit to buying all the necessary school supplies.  However, the most important back-to-school ritual of them all, and one that should not be forgotten is making sure a child is properly immunized.
 
Every year, numerous children are affected by an illness that could have been prevented.  In fact, many common childhood illnesses such as chicken pox, measles, mumps and rubella, could have been prevented through routine inoculations. 
 
Whether your kids are heading off to school for the first time, or going back to school after summer break, Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics has information about immunizations to help guide you through this important, back-to-school ritual.