Back-to-School Health Checklist
Keeping current with vaccinations keeps children and adults healthy and safe from preventable diseases, helps stop the spread of those diseases, and protects those who cannot receive immunizations themselves, or who have weakened immune systems. Here is some information about immunizing your child as he or she goes back to school.
Recommended vaccinations:
Children can get additional protection from the most current flu vaccination, and kids ages 5 and up can get the latest COVID-19 booster. The HPV vaccine, recommended for kids age 9 and older, can help prevent the leading cause of cervical, head and neck cancers.
Mandatory immunizations:
These are required for schoolchildren in Texas, so make sure to keep records. Check with your child’s school to find out your district’s deadlines.
Kindergarten through sixth grade students need proof of immunization for the following:
- Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap)
- Polio
- Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Varicella (chicken pox)
Seventh-graders need proof of all previous immunizations plus:
- Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap) booster
- Meningococcal vaccine
Eighth through twelfth grade students need proof of all previous immunizations plus:
- One booster dose of tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap) within the last 10 years
See 2023 - 2024 Texas Minimum State Vaccine Requirements for Students Grades K - 12 for more details.
Annual checkup and sports physical
An annual checkup can let you know your child is healthy to start the school year. Students who play sports also need to get a sports physical, which is different from a regular checkup. It will help make sure your child is healthy enough to play.
Vision and hearing screenings
Your child may find it hard to learn if they can’t see or hear their lessons well. It’s important to get them tested so you can manage any changes in their vision or hearing. These screenings are also mandatory in Texas before kids may enter kindergarten.
Dentist appointment
Kids should see the dentist every six months. Now is a good time to get it done and start the school year with a healthy smile. A dental exam is also required before entering kindergarten in Texas.
Sleep schedule
Staying up late on long summer nights is fun, but your child needs to get back to a bedtime routine before school starts. Children need 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night between ages 6 and 12, and teens need eight to 10 hours of sleep.
Healthy eating
Studies show kids who get good nutrition learn better. Stock up on healthy breakfast, snack, and lunch foods. Avoid added sugars and pack whole grains, fruits, and veggies whenever possible.
Pack that backpack!
Make sure your child has the supplies they need to stay safe and healthy.
A mask — While COVID restrictions have relaxed, there may be situations where they’ll need a mask, especially if they’re at risk for getting sick.
Hand sanitizer — Keeping their hands clean will help protect them from infectious diseases.
A water bottle — On hotter days, staying hydrated is extra important.
Sun protection — Sunglasses will help protect their vision, and sunscreen can prevent sunburns and skin cancer.
Update their school!
Your child’s school should have a record of any medicine they need to take, including allergy and asthma medication. Make sure they have your latest emergency contact information.