It’s probably the last thing your kids want to hear, but back-to-school season is upon us. Along with new backpacks, class schedules, and school supplies, it’s also a good time to check in on your child’s health.
August is National Immunization Awareness Month, which means it’s the perfect time to schedule important appointments like your child’s back-to-school physical, stay up to date on vaccinations, and plan a routine well-child visit. Taking care of these items now can help your child start the school year healthy, confident, and ready to learn.
Why back-to-school health visits matter
A back-to-school well-child visit is more than just a school requirement. It’s an important opportunity to support your child’s overall health and development. During the visit, your pediatrician can:
- Track growth and development
- Review medical history and discuss concerns
- Screen for vision, hearing, and behavioral health needs
- Update immunizations
- Complete school and sports forms
These appointments are often part of a routine child wellness visit, which plays an important role in preventive care. And the good news is preventive services for children, including annual physical exams and immunizations, are typically covered benefits.
What immunizations are required for school?
One of the most common questions families ask is what immunizations are required for school?
Requirements vary by state and grade level, but most schools require vaccines that protect against serious illnesses such as:
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Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
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Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP or Tdap)
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Polio
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Hepatitis B
- Varicella (chickenpox)
- Middle school and high school students may also need additional vaccines, including meningococcal and HPV vaccines.
Your child’s provider can review their immunization record and make sure they are up to date based on school and state requirements. Scheduling appointments early can help you avoid the late-summer rush.
Planning your well-child visit
If your child has not had a recent checkup, now is a great time to schedule a visit. These appointments go beyond basic screenings and give families time to discuss physical, emotional, and developmental health.
To get the most out of your appointment:
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Bring any school or sports forms that need to be completed
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Have your child’s immunization record available
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Write down questions or concerns ahead of time
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Ask about recommended screenings or vaccines for your child’s age
- Regular visits also help build a strong relationship with your child’s primary care provider, making it easier to manage health needs throughout the year.
Start the school year healthy
Back-to-school preparation can feel busy, but taking care of a few important health tasks now can make the transition easier. Scheduling a back-to-school physical, confirming immunization requirements, and completing a wellness checkup can help set your child up for a healthy and successful school year.
Next steps
Mass General Brigham Health Plan offers resources and support to help manage your child’s health:
- Find preventive care information and covered services: Visit the Mass General Brigham Health Plan wellness hub at Member.MGBHP.org to learn more about benefits, including immunizations and annual exams.
- Access your member tools: Log in to the Member Portal at Member.MGBHP.org to explore personalized resources, health tools, and wellness programs.
- We’re here to help: Contact Customer Service using the number on your member ID card for support with scheduling, coverage, or finding a provider.
Taking action now can help your family feel more prepared and give your child a healthier start to the school year.
