Back to School: Getting Ready Beyond the Classroom
As summer break begins to wind down, the back-to-school checklist starts to take shape. Parents shop for backpacks, notebooks, pencils, and more to prepare their kids for a new school year. While these supplies are important for success in the classroom, it’s also a great time to make your child’s health a priority by reviewing their recommended vaccinations before the first day of school.
Just as eating a nutritious breakfast, getting enough sleep each night, wearing a helmet while riding a bike, and buckling a seat belt in the car help keep kids safe and healthy, vaccines provide an added layer of protection as they learn, play, and interact with classmates, teachers, and staff throughout the school year.
Vaccine Schedule:
Entering kindergarten:
- DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis)
- Polio
- MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella)
- Hepatitis B
- Varicella (chickenpox)
Entering seventh grade:
- One Tdap booster (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis)
Children who are going to preschool, child care, or day care should have completed the preliminary childhood vaccine series, including:
- DTaP
- Polio
- MMR
- Hepatitis B
- Varicella
- Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b)
- Pneumococcal vaccine
If your child is due for a check-up or you’re unsure about their vaccines, now is a great time to schedule an appointment with your family pediatrician. They can review your child’s vaccination records, answer your questions, and help you understand which vaccines are recommended based on your child’s age and needs. Working together with your child’s doctor helps ensure they’re ready for a successful school year.