A Parent’s Guide to Back-to-School Vaccines
As the school year approaches, parents are busy checking off the to-do list: school supplies, new clothes—and back-to-school vaccines. Staying up to date on childhood immunizations is not only required by most schools but also plays a key role in protecting your child from serious illness.
Wondering which vaccines your kids need before they start school?
If you’re unsure which vaccines your child needs before school starts, this age-specific guide—based on CDC recommendations—can help you prepare.
Vaccines by Age
Vaccines for Children Ages 4–6 (Before Kindergarten)
Flu — needed every year
COVID-19
Measles, mumps and rubella — or MMR, for short
Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough) — known as DTaP
Varicella (chickenpox)
Polio (IPV)
Vaccines for Children Ages 7–10 (Elementary School)
Flu — recommended for every year
COVID-19
Vaccines for Ages 11–12 (Middle School)
Flu — needed every year
COVID-19
Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) — known as Tdap (this vaccine is different from DTaP)
Meningococcal conjugate, called MenACWY
Human papillomavirus (HPV), protects against HPV, the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, which can cause genital warts and some forms of cervical and other cancers.
Vaccines for Ages 13–18 (Junior High & High School)
Flu — needed every year
COVID-19
Meningococcal conjugate, called MenACWY — 2nd dose at age 16
Human papillomavirus (HPV) — if they have not previously received it
A quick note about Serogroup B meningococcal, also called MenB, which is available as an immunization in this age range. It is not recommended for all adolescents. Instead, healthcare providers can discuss the risk of the disease and weigh the risks and benefits of vaccination.
College-Age Vaccines (Young Adults 18+)
Entering college is another season of great excitement and preparation. Before your freshman heads to the dorm for their first semester, make sure that they are up to date on all their vaccinations, including:
Flu — needed every year
COVID-19
Meningococcal conjugate, called MenACWY — first year college students who live in a residential facility on campus
Human papillomavirus (HPV) — if they have not previously received it
Why are Vaccines Important?
Keeping up to date on vaccines throughout childhood is essential to protect young lives from serious disease. Vaccines help provide immunity to children before they are exposed to potentially harmful diseases like hepatitis B, measles, mumps, polio and more. All vaccines are extensively tested and approved for use by the CDC.
Schedule Your Child’s Back-to-School Vaccines at Aspire Family Medical
If your child has missed any vaccinations or if you have questions about vaccine safety, the team at Aspire Family Medical is here to help. We provide routine and catch-up immunizations as well as school physicals to ensure your child is healthy and ready for the new school year.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the stress out of back-to-school prep. One more task checked off—and peace of mind for the whole family.