Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, is the most common childhood condition, but it is largely preventable. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), cavities are four times more common than childhood asthma and three times more likely than childhood obesity. In Arizona, data from the Office of Oral Health, 2024 Healthy Smiles Healthy Bodies Survey show that about 50% of kindergarteners and 63% of third graders have experienced tooth decay, with nearly 25% having untreated decay. Caries rates are higher than national averages in Arizona and especially high among children in rural, low-income, American Indian/Alaskan Native, and Hispanic communities. These numbers can seem overwhelming, but the good news is that early care and prevention truly make a difference.

NCDHM provides an opportunity to raise awareness about how oral health affects infants, children, adolescents, and children with special healthcare needs overall health and quality of life. Untreated oral health issues can lead to pain, infection, difficulty eating and speaking, missed school days, low self-esteem, and even preventable emergency room visits for severe dental problems. Oral health conditions can also have broader impacts on overall physical health, including effects on nutrition and increased risk of systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and other inflammatory complications. The AAPD Education and Resources for Parents offers trusted guidance and practical tips to help support healthy smiles at home.

Supporting Children’s Oral Health in Arizona

Here in Arizona, the Cavity Free AZ program supports school children in accessing preventive dental services. Through this program, children can receive: 

• Dental screenings
• Fluoride treatments
• Dental sealants

Best of all, these services are provided during the school day, so children don’t miss class.

Dental sealants are thin coatings applied to the grooves of teeth that help prevent cavities by keeping out food and bacteria. Children who need sealants, do not have private dental insurance, and attend schools with high participation in the Arizona Department of Education’s Free and Reduced School Meal Program are eligible to receive treatment with parental consent. 

Programs like Cavity Free AZ help families and caregivers stay informed, reduce barriers to care, and support children in building strong, healthy teeth that can last a lifetime.

Simple Ways to Protect Your Child’s Smile

Small, consistent habits at home can have a big impact on your child’s oral health:

• Brush teeth twice a day 
• Floss at least once a day 
• Schedule regular dental checkups 
• Limit sugary foods and drinks
• Teach children healthy oral hygiene habits from an early age

Taking these simple steps at home, along with using preventive services like those offered through Cavity Free AZ, we can help children build healthy habits that last a lifetime. 

Looking Ahead 

Oral health during pregnancy and infancy is important for setting children and families up for a lifetime of strong teeth and overall well-being. If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist in your area, visit the AAPD Education and Resources for Parents. For information on dental care with sliding fee schedules in Arizona, the Arizona Department of Health Services Sliding Fee Schedule can help connect families to affordable care.

Together, with awareness, prevention, and community support, we can help every child grow up with a healthy smile. 

Over the last few weeks there has been a sharp increase in the number of individuals testing positive for Flu and hospitalizations for flu. This comes at a time where we are also managing the largest measles outbreak in this state since the early 1990s. While measles and flu are different, both are respiratory diseases that are vaccine preventable and spread easily in group settings and among unprotected individuals. 

Our goal is to provide clear, practical information so individuals and families can take simple steps to stay well. 

Increased Influenza A Activity Across Arizona

Most cases this season are linked to a strain called Influenza A (H3N2), which has been circulating nationally since late summer. There is no evidence to suggest that Influenza A (H3N2) subclade K is associated with more severe illness. Symptoms of influenza infection include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle or body aches
• Cough, congestion, or other respiratory symptoms

For most people, flu symptoms improve with rest and supportive care. However, influenza can be more serious for young children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with underlying health conditions. 

Measles Activity in Our Community

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads through tiny droplets in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the room, which allows it to spread quickly in group settings.

Symptoms of measles often include: 

• Fever 
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• A characteristic rash that typically starts in the face and appears several days after symptoms begin 

People with measles are contagious 4 days before and 4 days after the rash appears. Measles can lead to serious complications, particularly for infants, pregnant individuals, and people with weakened immune systems. 

The most effective way to prevent measles is by staying up to date with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccination. Just one dose of measles vaccine is 93% effective against measles and two doses provides 97% protection. Vaccination not only protects individuals but also helps to reduce the spread within the community. 

Simple Steps That Make a Difference

There are practical, everyday actions that help reduce the spread of both measles and flu, especially as Arizonans return to school and work after the holidays: 

• Stay informed. You can stay up to date on flu and measles activity by following our measles dashboard and respiratory illness dashboard.
• Stay home when you’re sick. If you or your child have flu-like symptoms, staying home helps stop the spread and protects classmates, coworkers, and vulnerable community members.
• Practice good hand hygiene. Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer when washing isn’t available. 
• Cover coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue or your elbow and wash your hands afterward. 
• Stay up to date on vaccinations. Vaccines remain one of the most effective tools for preventing severe illness and complications. 
• Seek testing and medical care when needed. Early evaluation and treatment can help reduce complications, especially for those at higher risk. If you or your child develop measles symptoms, call ahead before visiting a clinic or emergency room to avoid exposing others.
• Travel and Group Gatherings. Crowded indoor settings such as airports, planes, shopping centers, and large family gatherings increase the risk of spread of respiratory illnesses. Make sure vaccinations are current before traveling, and if traveling abroad, confirm immunity since measles remains common in many countries, including Mexico and Canada.

Staying Healthy Together

Flu and measles prevention works best when we look out for one another. Arizona is experiencing a measles outbreak and high flu activity statewide.  If you feel sick, staying home and limiting contact with others is one of the most effective ways to slow the spread and protect each other.

By staying vigilant, practicing good hygiene, and making thoughtful choices, like staying home when ill, we can reduce the impact of flu in our schools, workplaces, and communities. 

Learn More and Stay Informed

We will continue monitoring respiratory and vaccine-preventable disease activity and share updates as needed.

For flu information and resources, please visit azdhs.gov/flu

For measles  information, vaccination guidance and prevention tips and resources, please visit azdhs.gov/measles

Thank you for helping keep our community healthy this season.

En estas fiestas, considere seguir estos consejos para mantenerse sano y seguro. Recuerde que no todas las personas tienen la misma capacidad para combatir infecciones, y lo que para algunas puede sentirse como una enfermedad respiratoria muy leve, podría tener consecuencias devastadoras para los miembros más vulnerables de nuestras familias.

SABIDURÍA

El saber es poder. Siempre busque fuentes confiables de información.

Hay muchísima información que se comparte en línea y en redes sociales que puede ser imprecisa o no está basada en hechos científicos. El Departamento de Servicios de Salud de Arizona (ADHS) monitorea las enfermedades respiratorias y proporciona información oportuna y precisa sobre avisos de las enfermedades en nuestras comunidades.. Visite nuestro sitio web para obtener más información sobre enfermedades respiratorias comunes como la influenza, el COVID-19 y el VRS. Nuestros tableros se actualizan regularmente y también ofrecen información sobre otras infecciones que actualmente afectan a nuestro estado, como el sarampión.

Hable con su proveedor de atención médica si tiene alguna duda sobre su estado de salud. Si está embarazada, si tiene hijos, o si busca información para usted o para un familiar mayor, la Academia Estadounidense de Pediatría, la Academia Estadounidense de Médicos de Familia y el Colegio Estadounidense de Obstetras y Ginecólogos ofrecen recomendaciones adaptadas e información de salud basada en hechos científicos. 

ACCIÓN

¡Vacúnese Ya!

Las vacunas han demostrado ser la forma más eficaz de evitar el contagio de enfermedades durante esta temporada navideña. ¿Tiene preguntas sobre la seguridad de las vacunas? Las vacunas sí son seguras y se ha comprobado que son altamente efectivas contra los virus respiratorios y el sarampión. Ayudan a prevenir que nuestros síntomas se vuelvan aún más graves.

El Departamento de Salud recomienda que todas las personas se mantengan al día con sus vacunas. Para obtener más información sobre vacunas y/o enfermedades o para saber cómo la vacunación contribuye a la salud pública, visite:

La Academia Estadounidense de Pediatría

La Academia Estadounidense de Médicos de Familia

El Colegio Estadounidense de Obstetras y Ginecólogos

El sarampión y otras infecciones causadas por virus comunes como la gripe pueden llegar a presentar síntomas graves, incluyendo la necesidad de hospitalización y, en casos severos, la muerte.

Aunque las vacunas no eliminan por completo el riesgo de infección, reducen significativamente la gravedad de los síntomas, haciendo que una enfermedad severa y potencialmente abrumadora sea más manejable y reduciendo el riesgo de complicaciones a largo plazo. Esto es extremadamente importante para quienes pueden tener mayor riesgo de complicaciones, como los niños pequeños, las personas mayores o cualquier persona con el sistema inmunológico comprometido.

PREVENCIÓN

Estas son unas estrategias de prevención recomendadas para protegerse y proteger a otras personas de infecciones respiratorias:

• Practique buena higiene, como lavarse las manos regularmente y limpiar las superficies que se usan mucho.
• Tome medidas para mejorar la calidad del aire en los lugares donde vive y trabaja la gente.
• Duerma suficiente durante épocas de las fiestas.
• Manténgase hidratado durante las celebraciones.
• Haga algo de ejercicio y pase tiempo al aire libre.

Pero lo más importante, y en especial para proteger a los demás, es quedarse en casa si está enfermo.

Cuidarse es el mejor regalo que puede darse a usted mismo y a sus seres queridos. Quédese en casa y lejos de otras personas hasta que se recupere: quiere decir 24 horas con sus síntomas mejorando y que no tenga fiebre, sin el uso de medicamentos para reducir la fiebre.

Hable con su proveedor de atención médica sobre posibles pruebas y tratamientos que puedan ayudarle a recuperarse más rápido.

RESTAURE SU SALUD EN CASA

En el Departamento de Salud, queremos que todas las personas regresen a casa seguras y saludables. Si sus planes navideños incluyen viajar, especialmente al extranjero, sea proactivo y hable con su proveedor de atención médica sobre su destino para verificar si necesita alguna vacuna o medicamento antes de su viaje. Dependiendo del lugar, otras vacunas, como las de hepatitis A o fiebre tifoidea, podrían ser necesarias para asegurar que esté totalmente protegido.

Disfrutemos estas fiestas navideñas con amor, salud y alegría. Al tomar precauciones simples y efectivas, podemos crear recuerdos hermosos con nuestra familia. Les deseamos una temporada navideña segura y sana.

Acerca del Dr. Richard Carmona

El Dr. Richard Carmona, el 17.º Cirujano General de los Estados Unidos, se desempeña como Asesor Médico de Salud Pública del Departamento de Servicios de Salud de Arizona (ADHS). En este cargo, el Dr. Carmona brinda orientación sobre políticas de salud pública y la implementación de enfoques científicos y basados en evidencia. Anteriormente asesoró al Departamento de Servicios de Salud de Arizona en la respuesta del estado a la pandemia de COVID-19 y en la preparación para emergencias de salud pública. El Dr. Richard Carmona cuenta con más de 50 años de experiencia como líder en la profesión de la salud. El Dr. Carmona se desempeña como Distinguished Laureate Professor en la Universidad de Arizona y cuenta con una Maestría en Salud Pública en Políticas y Administración de Salud por la Universidad de Arizona y un título de M.D. por la Universidad de California, San Francisco.

This holiday season, consider following these tips to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy and safe. Remember that not everyone has the same ability to fight infections, and what could feel like a very mild respiratory illness for some, could have devastating consequences on the most susceptible members of our families.

KNOWLEDGE 

Knowledge is power! Always look for trusted sources for information. 

There is so much information being shared online and in social media that can be inaccurate or not based on scientific facts. The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) monitors respiratory illnesses and provides timely and accurate information about current public health concerns affecting our community. Visit our website to learn more about common viral respiratory illnesses such as influenza, COVID-19 and RSV. Our dashboards get updated regularly and also provide information about other infections currently affecting our state, such as measles. 

When it comes to your health, talk to your healthcare provider. If you are pregnant, a parent of a child or seeking information for yourself or an older family member, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists provide tailored advice and fact-based health information. 

ACTION

Get vaccinated!

Vaccines are one of the most important steps to make sure you and your loved ones are protected during this Holiday season. Vaccines are safe and have been proven to be highly effective against respiratory viruses and measles, helping to protect against serious health issues.

ADHS recommends everyone stay up to date on vaccinations. For up-to-date vaccine recommendations visit: 

American Academy of Pediatrics
American Academy of Family Physicians 

American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists 

Measles and other infections due to seasonal respiratory viruses can have serious consequences to your health, including the need for hospitalization, and in severe cases, even death. 

While vaccines may not completely eliminate the risk of infection, they can significantly reduce the severity of symptoms, making a potentially overwhelming severe illness more manageable, significantly reducing the risk of long-term complications. This is extremely important for those who may be at higher risk of complications like small children, seniors or anyone with a compromised immune system.

PREVENTION

Follow recommended prevention strategies to protect yourself and others from respiratory infections, including:

• Practice good hygiene like washing your hands regularly and cleaning commonly touched surfaces.
• Take steps for cleaner air in places where people live and work.
• Get enough sleep during the holidays.
• Stay hydrated during the celebrations.
• Get some exercise and spend time outdoors

Most importantly, in order to protect others, stay home if you are sick and take care of yourself!

Taking care of yourself is the best gift you can give to yourself and your loved ones. Stay home and away from others until you have recovered, 24 hours with symptoms improving and fever free without the use of fever-reducing medication. 

Talk to your healthcare provider about possible tests and treatments to help you recover quicker. 

COME BACK HOME HEALTHY!

At ADHS, we want everyone to come back home safe and healthy. If your holiday plans include travel, especially internationally, be proactive and talk with your healthcare provider about your travel destination to check if you need any vaccines or medicines prior to your trip. Depending on your destination, other vaccines—such as those for hepatitis A or typhoid—may be necessary to ensure you’re fully protected.

Let’s embrace this holiday season with love, health, and joy! By taking simple yet effective precautions, we can create beautiful memories with our family and friends while ensuring everyone stays safe. Wishing you all a delightful and healthy holiday season!

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) reminds parents and health care providers of the long-standing, evidence-based practice of administering  the hepatitis B vaccine to newborns within 24 hours of birth. Parents are encouraged to discuss any questions with their health care providers. 

“The universal hepatitis B birth dose is one of the simplest, safest, most powerful ways to protect Arizona babies from a liver infection that is completely preventable. The complications of infection can be devastating and last a lifetime,” said Dr. Joel Terriquez, Medical Director of the Bureau of Infectious Diseases Services and the Bureau of Immunization Services, Arizona Department of Health Services.

Since the United States recommended a universal hepatitis B birth dose in 1991, infections in children and adolescents have fallen by about 99 percent, preventing tens of thousands of cases of liver disease and death.

Arizona public health agencies work across several fronts to prevent hepatitis B:

• Supporting the universal hepatitis B vaccine birth dose recommendation since 1991.
• Recommending hepatitis B screening for pregnant patients and coordinating follow-up care for infants and close contacts.
• Investigating reported hepatitis B cases and providing education on transmission and prevention.
• Requiring blood banks and plasma centers to notify donors of test results suggest hepatitis B infection.
• Monitoring vaccination coverage and hepatitis B trends through the Immunization Data Report (IDR) and publishing data through the ADHS Public Health Data Portal.

Parents should consult their health care provider about vaccine timing and ensure their child is up to date. 

The hepatitis B vaccine has been used for more than 40 years in the United States. It has a strong safety record, with the most common side effects limited to brief soreness where the shot is given. 

The Arizona Department of Health Services promotes and protects the health and wellness of Arizona’s residents through prevention, preparedness, and health partnerships. Learn more at https://www.azdhs.gov

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Arizona recorded 38,493 injury and fatal traffic-related crashes (~ 3% fatal and 97% injury) in 2024, placing thousands of highway incident first responders (EMS, fire, law enforcement, towing/recovery, and transportation/public works providers) at risk of being struck-by and killed or injured by motorists.

From 2017 through September 2025 across the U.S., 320 highway incident responders were struck-by and killed at roadside incidents, of which 10 (3 in 2019, 1 in 2020, 6 in 2021) were Arizona responders. From 2018 to 2024, Arizona recorded 158 non-fatal struck-by crashes involving highway incident responders. While 10 (~ 6%) of the 168 Arizona struck-by incidents were fatal, the 158 non-fatal crashes often resulted in career-ending, life altering injuries to responders.

There is something every driver can do today to act and save lives of first responders and other roadway users. The Arizona Department of Public Safety explains Arizona’s Move Over Law  as, “having drivers safely merge to an adjacent lane on highways with two or more lanes proceeding in the same direction when police or emergency personnel are stopped near or on the road. The law recognizes that sometimes it is impossible or the second lane does not exist to move over. Those situations call for reduced speeds and proceeding with extreme caution.”

Violating Arizona’s Move Over Law is a moving violation, with insurance and driver license point consequences. Civil penalties include: first violation $275, a second violation within 5 years $500, and a third or subsequent violations $1,000.

This November 17-21, 2025, the Bureau of EMS & Trauma System stands in solidarity with our first responders and with Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, who has issued a proclamation designating this week as Crash Responder Safety Week (CRSW).  In observance of CRSW, all roadway users are reminded that safety starts with you, by slowing down and moving over as you approach and past responders at roadside incidents. 

This Crash Responder Safety Week, the Bureau of EMS and Trauma System encourages every traffic incident responder to: 

• Take the free, four-hour National Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Responder Training available from the Federal Highway Administration to protect you and your fellow responders.
• Encourage your fellow Arizona responders to join the over 11,400 Arizona responders who have already completed TIM Responder training by signing up or requesting a free TIM class at https://tim.az.gov/home

Thank you to all Arizona crash responders for your work to protect Arizona’s residents and visitors every day.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) can affect anyone, anywhere, and at any stage of life. Each year, AMR is responsible for 1.3 million deaths around the world and 35,000 deaths in the U.S. Behind every number, there is a real person suffering the debilitating effects of AMR. The Infectious Diseases Society of America highlights a few of these stories in their Faces of Antimicrobial Resistance report. To slow the development of AMR, public health, health care professionals, patients, and communities must work together and ensure antibiotics are used only when necessary. 

The Arizona Department of Health Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) would like to help you know how to safely use antibiotics throughout the year. In order to Be Antibiotics Aware, remember:

• Antibiotics do NOT treat viruses, like those that cause colds, flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or COVID-19. Other medications, called antivirals, can treat some viruses.
• If your healthcare provider wants to give you (or your child) an antibiotic, you are encouraged to ask questions and be involved with the decision making process:
  • What type of infection am I (or my child) being prevented or treated for?
  • What is the name of the antibiotic?
  • How and when do I take the antibiotic?
  • Does the antibiotic cause side effects? What are they and how can I prevent them?
  • When should I stop taking the antibiotic?
• If you need antibiotics, take them exactly as prescribed. Your antibiotics were prescribed to you based on your individual infection and other health factors. Your antibiotics should never be shared with others.
• Do NOT take antibiotics when they’re not needed. They won’t help you, and their side effects can cause you harm. Taking them for the wrong illness or not as prescribed can also cause antibiotic resistance, making infections harder to treat.

It takes all of us working together to fight AMR! For more information on how to get involved with Antibiotic Awareness Week, please visit our Antibiotic Awareness Week page and the CDC’s antibiotics page. 

What is Valley Fever?
Valley fever is a lung infection caused by a fungus called Coccidioides, which lives in Arizona’s dry desert soil. When the soil is disturbed by wind, construction, or even outdoor activities, the fungus can break apart and become airborne. If these fungal spores are inhaled, they can cause infection. That means whether you live in Arizona or are just visiting, you could be at risk.

Why Awareness Matters
In 2024, a total of 14,763 Arizonans tested positive for Valley fever. Of those, 986 were hospitalized, and 86 sadly lost their lives (see the 2024 Valley Fever Annual Report). With numbers like these, knowing what to look for is essential.

Common symptoms include:

• Cough

• Fatigue

• Rash

• Fever

If you experience these and think you might have been exposed, ask your healthcare provider to test you for Valley fever. Early diagnosis can make a big difference.

Some people are more likely to develop severe forms of the disease, including those with weakened immune systems, diabetes, or who are pregnant.

For Healthcare Providers
If you suspect Valley fever, consult the Clinician’s Guide to Diagnosing Primary Pulmonary Coccidioidomycosis. The diagnostic process begins with a clinical evaluation, followed by serologic testing (enzyme immunoassay IgM and IgG). Positive results should be confirmed through immunodiffusion or complement fixation testing. Serial testing helps monitor disease progression, guide treatment, and clarify inconclusive results in high-suspicion cases.

Together, We Can Reduce the Impact
Raising awareness is key to early detection and prevention and that starts with all of us. You can help protect yourself and your community by:

• Knowing the signs and symptoms

• Talking to your provider about testing

• Avoiding activities that kick up dust when possible

Let’s work together to keep Arizona healthy. To learn more about Valley fever, its prevention, and available resources, visit the Arizona Department of Health Services at www.valleyfeverarizona.org.

Among those native to Arizona, Valley fever is a disease caused by the fungus, Coccidioides, which thrives in the arid desert soil. When dried, fungal spores disturbed by dust-generating activities can be carried by the wind and inhaled by unsuspecting hosts. Whether you live in or travel through Arizona, you are at risk for developing a Valley fever infection.

In 2023, 10,990 Arizonans tested positive and 805 were hospitalized from this disease. In recent years, Arizona has seen an increase in both the number of reported Valley fever positive cases and the rate of infection per 100,000 population (146.0 in 2023, as compared to the five-year median of 139.3).

Above all, we encourage the public to familiarize themselves with the signs and symptoms of Valley fever, request testing from their healthcare provider if they suspect they may be affected, and avoid activities that disturb dust. For more information about Valley fever, please visit the ADHS website at www.valleyfeverarizona.org.

For healthcare providers, this awareness week serves as a reminder to maintain a high level of suspicion for fungal infections, especially in patients presenting with flu-like symptoms (i.e., cough, fatigue, and fever). Early detection is crucial, as a misdiagnosis can lead to delays in treatment or the prescription of unsuitable medications. Providers seeking advice on the diagnosis of suspected Valley fever patients can reference The Clinician’s Guide to Diagnosing Primary Pulmonary Coccidioidomycosis in Arizona, or connect with our partners:

Valley Fever Center for Excellence: (520) 626-6517

CDC Clinical Consult: fungalconsult@cdc.gov (404) 639-5168

From nutritious lunches and sleep routines to childhood vaccines that protect against serious illness, there’s a lot we can do to keep our children safe, supported, and ready to learn.

Immunizations Matter

One of the most important things you can do for your child is to make sure their immunizations are up to date. Childhood vaccines protect against many serious diseases, including measles, a highly contagious virus that can spread quickly in schools and communities.

We have recently seen a rise in measles cases in the U.S., including outbreaks linked to international travel and lower vaccination rates. Just one case in a classroom or school can expose dozens of children who may not be protected.

The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is safe, effective, and recommended for all children:

• First dose at 12–15 months 
• Second dose at 4–6 years (required for Kindergarten enrollment)

If you’re unsure whether your child is up to date, consult your healthcare provider or contact your local public health department for verification. Many providers and community health clinics can also provide catch-up vaccinations if needed.

Back-to-School Health Tips for Parents

Here are a few ways to help your child start the year strong:

• Establish healthy routines: Start shifting sleep schedules ahead of the first day of school to help with the transition. 
• Eat well: Encourage a balanced breakfast and pack nutritious snacks and lunches that fuel your child’s learning and growth. 
• Stay active: Build in time for outdoor play or after-school physical activity. 
• Check in on mental health: Talk with your child about how they’re feeling. New routines, friendships, or transitions can bring excitement and sometimes stress. 
• Keep sick kids home: If your child has a fever or is feeling sick, it is best to keep them home and call your doctor for guidance. This helps prevent the spread of illness to classmates and teachers.
• Stay up-to-date on childhood vaccinations: Childhood vaccines protect against many serious diseases, including measles, a highly contagious virus that can spread quickly in schools and communities. If you’re unsure whether your child is up to date, consult your healthcare provider or contact your local public health department for verification. 

Vaccination Resources

If you need help accessing vaccines, Arizona offers resources for families:

• Arizona Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program: Provides vaccines at no cost to eligible children. 
• Community vaccination events: Local health departments and clinics often host back-to-school immunization events. Contact your school district for current information and upcoming events.
• School-based clinics: Some schools and school districts offer on-site vaccination opportunities. Check with your child’s school nurse or district office.

For information about childhood vaccinations and additional resources: 

Visit the Arizona Immunization Program webpage here 

Check out the CDC child and adolescent immunization schedule here

Other resources? 

You’re Not Alone. We’re Here to Help

We know the back-to-school season can be busy and sometimes overwhelming. As parents and caregivers, you’re doing your best to protect and nurture your child. Making sure they’re healthy and up to date on their vaccines is one of the most loving things you can do.

Wishing you and your family a safe, joyful, and healthy school year!