It’s the start of a new school year, let the spreading of germs begin!

If you are a parent or guardian who is not exactly enthusiastic about that prospect, it’s important to make sure your child is up-to-date on routine vaccines — and to consider a few others.

According to a report by USA Today, children across the country are still getting caught up after a gap in wellness visits to pediatricians during the COVID-19 pandemic. That can mean a gap in protection against hepatitis B, rotavirus, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, haemophilus influenza type b, pneumococcal disease, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox and hepatitis A.

“It’s important for parents to remember these diseases, even though we don’t see them frequently … they’re still there,” Dr. Kisha Davis, chief health officer for Montgomery County, Md., told USA Today. “Check in with your primary care doctor (about) what’s the right vaccine to get at what age and stage.”

There is even more parents can do, near the start of each school year. Seasonal flu shots targeting the three dominant influenza A strains from last winter will be available. COVID-19 vaccines will be available soon, targeting last winter’s most dominant strain and a subvariant. Doses of a shot to protect against respiratory syncytial virus in infants and very young children will be available soon, too.

Don’t give in to what the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention politely refers to as “vaccine hesitancy.” While there are a very few legitimate reasons to avoid using vaccines to protect children from these illnesses, far too much of what has been spread — particularly via social media — in recent years is simply fear-based nonsense and conspiracy theories.

And remember, protecting your kids helps protect an entire family.

“Our top recommendation for protecting yourself and your loved ones from respiratory illness is to get vaccines,” Dr. Mandy Cohen, director of the CDC, told USA Today. “Make a plan now for you and your family to get both updated flu and COVID vaccines this fall, ahead of the respiratory virus season.”

Get your kids caught up on their routine vaccinations. Get them (and you) flu and COVID-19 shots. Ask a doctor if an RSV shot is right for your young children. And then, rest easier knowing you’ve done a little more to keep them healthier this school year.