RHINELANDER - You've probably already checked many school supplies off your child's back to school list, but there may be another you're forgetting about.

Making sure your kids are up to date on their immunizations is not only important, it's the law.

From day one it's important to protect your child and others from preventable diseases by getting them vaccinated.

Ann Ovsak is the Assistant Director, Oneida County Health Department and says, "Children need immunizations, infants and children. They get them starting at actually at birth, they start. They get them all the way up through age six and then teens start again at around age 12. Getting their t-dap and their meningitis."

It's also a good idea to keep up with your own vaccinations like tetanus, which requires a booster every decade.

The reason you want to stay up to date is to stop the spread of illnesses, Ovsak says, "It's really important, you know, if you are sick to first of all make sure your children are up to date on their immunizations. If you are sick or your child becomes ill, make sure that you aren't sending sick children to school. Make sure that you're talking to your healthcare provider regarding their illness."

Other people who need to keep up with their shots are the elderly especially during flu season which is only a few months away.

If you are unsure about what shots you or your kids need be sure to ask your health care provider about your immunization history.

Story By: Michael Crusan