Back-to-School Health: What Families Need to Know

As families prepare for the academic year, health decisions often take center stage — vaccination schedules, mental health check-ins, nutritional planning, and the management of chronic conditions in school settings.

Drawing on our work with public health agencies and educational institutions, we've compiled research-informed guidance for families navigating these decisions.

Vaccinations: The evidence is clear

Childhood vaccination schedules are among the most rigorously studied interventions in public health. The evidence base for recommended vaccines is vast and consistent: they are safe, effective, and critical for protecting both individual children and the communities they're part of.

For the upcoming school year, families should ensure their children are up to date on:

Routine childhood immunizations — including MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), and varicella (chickenpox), among others.

Annual flu vaccine — recommended by CDC for everyone 6 months and older, with particular importance for children who will be in close contact with others in school settings.

COVID-19 updates — federal guidance now treats COVID-19 vaccination for children as a shared decision between families and their healthcare provider, so check with your provider or local health department about what makes sense for your child's age and health status.

Mental health is health

The academic year brings both opportunities and stressors for young people. Research consistently shows that proactive attention to mental health — open conversations, consistent routines, and early intervention when concerns arise — produces better outcomes than reactive responses to crises.

If your child is starting a new school, transitioning to a new grade level, or experiencing any significant life changes, building in time for connection and check-ins matters.

For families navigating the system

If you're unsure about vaccination requirements, coverage under your health plan, or how to access services, community health centers and school health offices are often the most accessible starting points. Many offer services regardless of insurance status or ability to pay, and the federal Vaccines for Children program provides vaccines at no cost to eligible children.