August marks National Immunization Awareness Month, and families throughout the borough are getting their children ready for the new school year.

In addition to the usual backpacks and notebooks associated with the back-to-school bonanza, parents say they are making sure their kids have updated health records and are ready for school.

The city Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's School Admission Immunization Requirements is a law that requires all new children entering day care, nursery school, preschool or pre-K, and kindergarten through grade 12 for the first time to show proof of having received a complete medical evaluation.

And while not required, parents are also getting their children flu shots. Doctors recommend people start getting vaccinated now so they're covered for the entire season.