Gov. Kathy Hochul is encouraging parents and guardians to make sure their children are up to date on required vaccinations before heading back to school. 

State officials are also asking New Yorkers to talk with their doctor or health care provider about the updated COVID-19 vaccines scheduled to arrive this fall. 

This comes as August is recognized as National Immunization Awareness Month.

“Immunizations are one of the most powerful tools of modern science, and we have seen their tremendous impact in our fight against the COVID-19 virus in recent years,” Hochul said in a statement. “As we head into the new school year and into fall when respiratory viruses traditionally spread, it is important that everyone contact their health care providers to prepare and stay up to date on immunizations.”

While the COVID-19 vaccine is not required for school attendance, children attending day care and pre-K through 12th grade must receive all required doses of vaccines, according to the required schedule to attend or remain in school. 

“It’s about personal protection, personal prevention and personal wellness,” New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said in a statement. “We have the safest and most effective vaccines on the planet. During National Immunization Awareness Month, it’s a good time for parents, guardians and pediatricians to take an active role in ensuring school-age children have all required vaccines before heading back to the classroom. And it is a great reminder to all of us the value of vaccines at preventing [the] spread of and serious outcomes from vaccine-preventable disease.”

The state says adults can find out what vaccines they need by using a vaccine assessment tool on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website. 

The number of reported COVID-19 hospitalizations has increased in recent weeks, though numbers remain low compared to the height of the pandemic.