Students are back to school, and health experts in West Central Saskatchewan are encouraging parents to make sure their children's vaccinations are on time and on schedule.

Immunization is the best known tool to ensure that children and those around them remain protected against contagious sicknesses such as coughing, measles, and mumps.

Nearly 95 per cent of children or infants begin vaccinations, but around 25 per cent of those do not complete them on time.

In West Central Saskatchewan free immunizations are available at school-based programs and public health clinics for all children in school and infants.

Vaccinations can take between two and four weeks to be completely effective.

In the last half century immunizations have saved more lives across the country than any other health measure.