Students in the St. James Parish Public School System return to the classroom today for fulltime studies.

That feeling isn’t far off for students in St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools and St. Charles Parish Public Schools, which resume classes Monday.

River Parishes private schools are preparing similar schedules as it seems like the whole region is caught up in Back-to-School fever.

All that commotion will bring crowds of people together in confined spaces, meaning germs and sickness are an unfortunate byproduct of the classroom experience.

For that reason and many more, health professionals are engaging in an all out blitz to remind people August is National Immunization Awareness Month.

Although certain vaccinations are required for students entering various grade levels, many health care professionals highlight the value of immunization, regardless of the receiver’s age.

From children to teens to adults and seniors, and with special precautions taken for pregnant women, proper immunization is recommended for all.

Back-to-School season just works as the perfect time to make sure all is being done to keep your family healthy.

Dr. Wendi DeFrank of Rainbow Pediatrics in LaPlace recently stressed to L’OBSERVATEUR readers immunization protects vaccinated children against contagious diseases but also protects those children who cannot be vaccinated.

She said children undertaking chemotherapy, those on immunosuppressive drugs following transplantation and young ones with severe immune deficiencies benefit from interactions with children who are following doctor-recommended vaccination schedules.

“We use car seats and baby monitors to protect our children,” DeFrank said. “Vaccination is simply another great way to protect our children.”

So as you work this month to make sure your young ones are settled in school, take a few moments to look out for your whole family by making sure everyone is caught up with National Immunization Awareness Month.