Back-to-School Vaccines

Ask A Doc:

What vaccines does my kid need before heading back to school?

Answer:

It depends on your kid’s age. As he or she grows, the type and frequency of vaccinations will change. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene requires proof of a complete medical evaluation before your child can start a new school year.

To make it easier for parents, refer to this checklist to help get your child off to a healthy school year – whether they are headed to kindergarten, college, or any grade in between.

PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN (4-6 years)

• Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTaP/Tdap)
• Inactivated poliovirus (IPV)
• Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
• Chickenpox / Varicella
• Influenza (Given yearly, 6 months – 18 years)

If you miss or delay any immunizations, they should be given as soon as possible. Make sure your child has received the following:

• Hemophilus influenzae type B (Hib*, Hib should be administered before 5 years.)
• Hepatitis A

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (7 – 12 years)

• Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (Tdap*, Booster 11 – 12 years for those who received the childhood series of DTaP)
• Influenza (Given yearly, 6 months – 18 years)
• Human papilomavirus series (HPV*, Three doses of HPV, administered over a 6-month period between ages 9 – 26 for males and females.)
• Meningococcal conjugate (MCV4) (11 – 12 years)

If you miss or delay any immunizations, they should be given as soon as possible. Make sure your child has received the following:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Inactivated poliovirus (IPV)
• Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
• Chickenpox / Varicella

MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL (13 – 18 years)

• Human papilomavirus series (HPV*, Three doses of HPV, administered over a 6-month period between ages 9 – 26 for males and females.)
• Influenza (Given yearly, 6 months – 18 years)

If you miss or delay any immunizations, they should be given as soon as possible. Make sure your child has received the following:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Inactivated poliovirus (IPV)
• Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
• Chickenpox / Varicella
• Meningococcal conjugate (MCV4)

COLLEGE (18+ years)

• Meningococcal conjugate (MCV4*, MCV4 is highly recommended for teens enrolling in college who have not been previously vaccinated.)
• Human papilomavirus series (HPV*, Three doses of HPV, administered over a 6-month period between ages 9 – 26 for males and females.)
• Influenza (Given yearly, 6 months – 18 years)

If you miss or delay any immunizations, they should be given as soon as possible. Make sure your child has received the following:

• Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (Tdap*, Tdap booster shot every 10 years)
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Inactivated poliovirus (IPV)
• Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
• Chickenpox / Varicella series

I also recommend reviewing the immunization requirements for school-age children in New York State here or the American Academy of Pediatrics Immunization Schedule.

Keep track of what’s important

As a parent, you know keeping track of your child’s immunization schedule can be a challenge. Keep an immunization log, get a copy of your child’s medical records, or call your pediatrician. Getting your child in for an annual physical exam starting at age four will not only help you stay on top of immunizations, it will also help your pediatrician monitor their overall health.

Schedule your child’s back-to-school immunizations by calling 1-855-411-5969 or visiting CHPNYC.org