Officials remind parents to vaccinate kids before school starts

School starts in less than a month for a lot of kids and Austin ISD is reminding parents that their kids must have their vaccinations before the first day. 

The first day of school is August 21st for Austin students and if a child doesn't have the needed vaccines before then he or she will be allowed to attend class.

The Texas Department of State Health Services requires students have current vaccinations to attend school unless an exemption has been filed.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists several diseases that are preventable with childhood vaccines. That includes chicken pox, flu, Hepatitis A & B and tetanus.

For years there's been a big debate over whether parents should vaccinate children. At least in one country, France, there will be no more debate because it is now law. Starting next year vaccinations will become mandatory all children there.