With the start of a new school year just days away, parents are being reminded to get their children immunized before heading back to class.

The Ministry of Health has added three new immunization requirements for students attending primary or secondary school on Sept. 2.

Marlene Price with the Middlesex-London Health Unit says the mandatory immunizations are for whooping cough and meningitis. Proof of chicken pox is also required for students born in 2010 or later.

These three are in addition to tetanus, diphtheria, polio, mumps, measles and rubella.

“Children are great spreaders of flu, so it’s important for people of all ages to get the flu vaccine, but it’s also important for children to receive it as well, and the earlier the better,” says Price.

Parents and teachers are also encouraged to teach children the importance of good hygiene, to prevent the spreading of infectious germs.

For further information, parents should consult with their doctor, health unit or with the child’s school.