MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin health officials are encouraging parents to make sure their children have the necessary immunizations before sending their children back to school.

State Health Officer Dr. Henry Anderson says vaccines are the safest and most cost-effective ways to prevent disease, not just among children but the elderly and others in the community.

State vaccination requirements apply to children in kindergarten through high school and vary by grade. Other vaccines are recommended for young adults entering college.

Families with health insurance need to schedule appointments with their health care provider, while state-supplied vaccines are available at local health departments.