It’s that time of year again! Kids are picking out backpacks, meeting their teachers, and getting ready for a new school year. But before the first day of class, there’s something just as important as school supplies: making sure your child is up to date on their vaccines.
Vaccines help protect kids from serious illnesses and keep schools and communities healthy. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends a schedule of vaccines for children and teens at every age, and following it can give your child the best start to the school year.
What Are Vaccines?
Vaccines are shots that help your child’s body learn how to fight off diseases. When we vaccinate, we give their immune system the tools it needs to protect them.
Think of vaccines like a safety shield. They don’t just protect the child who gets the shot, they also help protect classmates, friends, and family members, especially those too young or too sick to get vaccinated themselves.
Vaccines for School-Aged Kids
Here’s a quick look at some common vaccines your child might need before school starts, based on AAP recommendations:
Ages 4–6:
- DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis)
- MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella)
- Polio
- Varicella (chickenpox)
Ages 11–12:
- Tdap (booster for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis)
- HPV (human papillomavirus – helps prevent certain cancers later in life)
- Meningococcal (helps prevent meningitis, a serious infection)
Your child may also need a flu shot every year and other vaccines depending on health needs or where you live.
Vaccines for High School and College Students
As kids grow into teens and young adults, vaccines remain important to protect against illnesses that can spread easily in schools, dorms, or social settings.
For high schoolers (ages 16–18):
- Meningococcal (MenACWY) booster at age 16
- Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine, recommended for those 16 and older, especially if attending college/ dormitory living
- HPV vaccine, if not completed earlier
- Annual flu shot
For college students:
Many schools ask for immunization records before classes start, so now is a great time for a well check with your pediatrician or healthcare provider to verify immunization status and updated needed vaccines to meet all college entry requirements.
Why Vaccines Matter
Some diseases we vaccinate against, like measles or whooping cough, can spread quickly at school or college. Others, like HPV, help prevent health problems years later. Staying on schedule helps keep your child healthy, learning, and out of the doctor’s office.
What You Can Do Now
- Check your child’s vaccine records. Your healthcare provider can help you see what’s due.
- Schedule a wellness visit. It’s a perfect time for questions, updates, and a full checkup.
- Bring your forms. Many schools require proof of vaccinations before your child can start.
At Holston Medical Group, we’re committed to providing quality care that exceeds expectations and builds strong patient-provider relationships that last a lifetime.
To schedule an appointment, visit our online scheduler. Together, we can ensure that your child is ready for school and beyond.
