Preparing Your Child for the New School Year
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Preparing for the new school year involves more than just buying supplies. To help your child start the year off right, it is important for them to be healthy, both physically and mentally. From making sure they are up-to-date on vaccinations to talking to them about their mental health, here are some important things to keep in mind.
Required vaccinations for school-age children
State laws determine the specific vaccination requirements for children, which can vary. However, most states require the following vaccines before your child returns to school, unless a medical exemption applies:
- For children up to 6 years old: Consult with your health care provider to ensure your child receives all necessary vaccinations, including:
- COVID-19: At least one updated dose.1
- Influenza: Annual vaccination (number or recommended doses depends on age).2
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis3
- Chickenpox4
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella5
- Polio6
- Hepatitis A & B7
- For children aged 7-18:
- COVID-19: Vaccination doses vary based on health status.8
- Influenza: Annual vaccination recommended.9
- HPV: Advised for children at 11-12 years, but can be given at 9 to 10 years of age.10
- Meningococcal ACWY: Recommended at age 11 -12 with a booster dose at age 16.11
- Meningococcal B: Consider for ages 10 and older for some children after consulting with your health care provider.12
These lists are not comprehensive of all vaccines that may be recommended for your child. Always check with your health care provider for the most appropriate vaccination schedule for your child.
Preparing for school with a well-child visit
A well-child visit and a sports physical are beneficial for children of all ages, whether they participate in organized sports or not. The American Academy of Pediatrics provides forms to help evaluate your child’s readiness for sports.13
- A sports physical can:
- Evaluate your child for safe participation in sports14
- Review health history
- Evaluate any history of concussion or sports-related head injuries.
- Assess heart health and mental health concerns.
- Discuss any individual concerns or challenges your child may be facing.
For some students, it can be hard to go back to school considering there has been a rise in young people reporting mental health challenges.
- Connectedness: Building strong bonds with adults and friends at school, home and in the community can reduce health risks, including mental health issues.15
Optum has created free youth conversation cards to help start conversations about mental health. For some families, talking about mental health may be an everyday conversation, but for others it may be a new topic and can be difficult to address. These “Conversation Starters” can be helpful for parents to spark meaningful discussions with their children.
While starting a new school year may seem daunting, being prepared by ensuring your child is up-to-date with vaccinations, scheduling well-child visits and addressing their mental health can have everyone feeling ready for their first day. Taking these steps can help prepare your child for a successful school year!
If you, your child or someone you know is in crisis— seek safety and get help right away. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the closest emergency room. To reach a trained crisis counselor, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). You may also chat at 988.lifeline.org.
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1Vaccine Schedule for Children 6 Years or Younger | CDC
2Vaccine Schedule for Children 6 Years or Younger | CDC
3Vaccine Schedule for Children 6 Years or Younger | CDC
4Vaccine Schedule for Children 6 Years or Younger | CDC
5Vaccine Schedule for Children 6 Years or Younger | CDC
6Vaccine Schedule for Children 6 Years or Younger | CDC
7Vaccine Schedule for Children 6 Years or Younger | CDC
8Vaccine Schedule for Children, 7 to 18 Years Old | CDC
9Vaccine Schedule for Children, 7 to 18 Years Old | CDC
10Vaccine Schedule for Children, 7 to 18 Years Old | CDC
11Meningococcal Vaccination | CDC
12Meningococcal Vaccination | CDC
13Sports Physical: When, Where, Who Should Do It? – HealthyChildren.org
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