COLDWATER (WTVB) - A new school year is quickly approaching and while malls are filling up with teens looking for the latest fashion crazes and moms looking for basement bargains, the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency says remember the hottest trend this fall is good health. They say they want to remind everyone that whether you are tall and thin or pretty and plumb, good health is within your reach. And one sure way to maintain good health is to be sure you are fully immunized. We all need vaccines or shots to help protect us and prevent serious infectious diseases like measles, diphtheria, and rubella. People in theU.S.still catch these and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

Everyone age 6 months and older needs a seasonal flu shot every year. Other shots work best when they are given at certain ages. The health agency says talk to your doctor or nurse to find out which immunizations you need and that may include all the required childhood immunizations for school attendance. The department offers free vaccinations to qualifying families with children age 18 or younger through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. It’s for children who are on Medicaid and also covers kids who are not insured or whose health insurance does not cover immunizations. The department may also be able to assist adults who lack vaccine insurance coverage receive free booster shots. You can check out the website www.bhsj.org to learn more about what shots you need to stay healthy as well as clinic locations and schedules.