Medically reviewed by Kristina Melchert, MD

As summer winds down, most families are focused on school supplies, sports physicals, new schedules and everything else that comes with the new school year. One item that’s easy to overlook is making sure your child’s vaccinations are up to date. Taking a few minutes to review your child’s immunization record now can prevent last-minute surprises and help keep them healthy throughout the school year.

While many vaccine-preventable illnesses have become uncommon, they haven’t disappeared. Recent outbreaks of measles and whooping cough across the United States are an important reminder that vaccine-preventable diseases have not disappeared. Keeping children up to date not only protects them, but also helps protect infants, grandparents and others who may be more vulnerable to serious illness.

Back-to-School Vaccine Checklist by Age

Starting Kindergarten (Ages 4–6)

Before entering school, many children are due for booster doses of vaccines they received as babies and toddlers. These may include:

• DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough)
• IPV (polio)
• MMR (measles, mumps and rubella)
• Varicella (chicken pox)

These booster shots help strengthen protection as children enter classrooms and interact with larger groups of peers.

Middle School (Ages 11–12)

Preteens are due for several important vaccines, including:

• Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough)
• Meningococcal, which helps protect against certain types of meningitis
• HPV, which protects against several HPV-related cancers

High School (Ages 16–18)

Older teens typically receive fewer routine vaccines than young children, but there are still several important immunizations to help keep them protected throughout the teen years. At age 16, your child should get their Meningococcal ACWY booster. Depending on their individual risk factors, some adolescents may also benefit from vaccination against meningococcal B disease. Your pediatrician can discuss whether this additional vaccine is appropriate.

Don’t Forget the Annual Flu Shot

Every fall, influenza spreads quickly through schools. Even healthy children can become seriously ill, and they frequently spread the flu to younger siblings, parents and grandparents. Annual flu vaccination remains the best way to help reduce the risk of serious illness.

What If My Child Is Behind?

You’re not alone. Many children miss vaccines because of scheduling conflicts, illness, moves or disruptions during the pandemic years. The good news is that most children can safely catch up on missed vaccinations. The CDC provides catch-up schedules that allow healthcare providers to get children back on track. There is almost never a need to restart a vaccine series, even if years have passed since the last dose.

Schedule a Wellness Visit

A back-to-school physical or annual wellness visit is an opportunity to do much more than review immunizations. Your pediatrician can discuss growth, development, nutrition, sports participation, mental health and any concerns that you or your child may have while also ensuring vaccines are up to date.

One of the easiest things parents can do to prepare for a healthy school year is to review their child’s immunization record before August gets busy. Catching up on recommended vaccines early avoids the last-minute rush and helps protect children from illnesses that can interrupt school and family life.

Quick Checklist for Parents

✓ Review your child’s vaccine record

✓ Schedule an annual checkup

✓ Ask about recommended vaccines for your child’s age

✓ Make a plan for any missed or overdue vaccinations

✓ Schedule the annual flu vaccine

To make an appointment for your child, visit our website.