With the school year quickly approaching, Boston families are being urged to get up-to-date on vaccinations amid a nationwide uptick in COVID-19 cases.

After COVID cases had plummeted, the local virus wastewater data is showing a bit of a jump. The average level of COVID particles in Boston’s wastewater has climbed over the past few weeks — 557 RNA copies per milliliter, a 60% jump in the past two weeks.

The Boston Public Health Commission noted that the recent increases in COVID cases and wastewater are not alarming. However, it’s important for families to get protected with back-to-school season, cooler temperatures, and cold and flu season all approaching, BPHC added.

“Preparation is key when planning for a new school year and the changing of the seasons,” said Bisola Ojikutu, executive director of the Boston Public Health Commission. “Cold and flu season always poses a risk, but there are several steps we can all take to protect ourselves and others, including vaccination.

“Everyone in your household should be up to date on vaccinations to reduce the risk of severe illness this season,” Ojikutu said.

The city experienced a high level of flu activity last year, the highest in three years. Flu season will likely begin in October.

As families prepare to send their children back-to-school, BPHC is reminding them of the ways they can stay safe and healthy and avoid missed days of schools amid the rising spread of COVID-19, and likely spread of the flu and RSV in the fall and winter.

“Most importantly, BPHC strongly recommends that all families stay up to date with their vaccines for COVID-19, flu, and other diseases, such as pertussis, measles, and varicella,” BPHC said in a statement.

“We recommend that everyone ages 6-months and older get their annual flu shot in September or October,” BPHC added. “Families should plan ahead and schedule flu shot appointments with their trusted health care providers or at a local pharmacy.”

The FDA and CDC are expected to issue approvals for updated COVID-19 vaccines and schedules in the coming weeks. BPHC will provide recommendations after reviewing the latest guidance.

COVID-19 vaccines and testing are still available throughout the city. BPHC operates two standing clinics at the Bruce C. Bolling Building in Roxbury and at City Hall — offering free COVID-19 vaccines, boosters, and rapid at-home testing kits, which can be taken on site.

BPHC has also partnered with several community-based organizations to create rapid at-home testing kit distribution hubs in neighborhoods across Boston. To learn more, visit www.boston.gov/departments/public-health-commission/free-covid-19-home-test-kits.