A group of doctors on Tuesday reminded parents to make sure their children have their vaccinations up to date before they send them off to day cares, preschools and elementary schools in the weeks ahead.

What they said: "Notebooks, pencils and erasers are some items no parent forgets when sending their kid to school," said Dr. Michael Garvis, a pediatrician and a member of Children's Physician Network in a Head Start classroom in St. Paul. "We're asking them to also not forget sending your kid to school with their vaccination shots. I strongly encourage Minnesotans to check their vaccination status to prevent future outbreaks."

Key vaccinations: Schools recommend -- and sometimes require -- children to be vaccinated for diseases such as tetanus, measles, whooping cough and chickenpox.

Concerns growing: Only 58 percent of Minnesota's 2- and 3-year-olds are up to date on all of the recommended vaccines, the doctors said. That raises concerns because 1,000 cases of whooping cough were reported in Minnesota last year. And this past spring, 23 measles cases were confirmed in the state, the largest outbreak in the United States this year.

Fear of vaccines: The doctors spoke out strongly against fears that the government uses vaccines to poison children or that vaccines can cause other problems, such as autism. "Fear is a powerful emotion," said Dr. Sheldon Berkowitz, a pediatrician at Children's Primary Clinic. The doctors cited several studies that show vaccines are beneficial and fears are unwarranted.

Where to get them: Aside from family pediatricians, parents can go to clinics, urgent care or hospitals to get the shots. For more information, call 651-201-5503 or visit www.startribune.com/a588

DAAREL BURNETTE II