As summer comes to an end, the back-to-school season is the perfect time to make sure your child’s immunizations are up to date. Many schools require proof of certain vaccinations before a student can attend. Whether your child is starting kindergarten, entering middle or high school, or is off to college, knowing what vaccines they need will help ensure a smooth start to the academic year. In this blog, we’ll explore what you should know about back-to-school vaccinations.
For back-to-school vaccines, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Elizabeth. Our medical team specializes in pediatric care, and we provide everything your kids need for back-to-school health and safety. Just walk-in any day of the week or plan your visit in advance below!
Why Immunizations Are Important
Vaccines are one of the safest and most effective ways to protect your child from potentially serious diseases. In a school setting, children are in close contact with their peers for hours each day, making it easier for viruses and bacteria to spread. Immunizations help keep your child healthy and reduce the risk of outbreaks in classrooms, sports teams, and after-school programs.
Common Back-To-School Immunizations By Age Group
Kindergarten and Early Elementary School (Ages 4-6)
Before entering kindergarten, children are often required to receive booster doses of vaccines they’ve had as toddlers. These may include:
- DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) booster
- Polio booster
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) booster
- Varicella (Chickenpox) booster
Middle School (Ages 11-12)
Preteens may need new vaccines to protect them as their immune systems change and social activities increase. These may include:
- Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) booster
- Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) to prevent meningitis
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus) series, which protects against certain cancers later in life
High School and College Students
Older teens may need additional doses or catch-up vaccines, including:
- Second dose of MenACWY before age 16
- Meningococcal B vaccine for older teens and young adults
- Annual influenza vaccine before flu season begins
Staying on Schedule With Vaccine Updates
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a recommended immunization schedule for children and teens, but some children may need to catch up if they’ve missed doses. It’s a good idea to bring your child’s vaccination record to every appointment so the provider can check for any gaps. To prepare for your child’s immunization visit, be sure to review school requirements, bring all vaccine records, and talk to your child about what to expect.
Get Ready For School With AFC Urgent Care Elizabeth
We know how busy the school season can be. At AFC Urgent Care Elizabeth, we offer numerous back-to-school health services, including vaccines, school/sports physicals, and health screenings. Our urgent care center is conveniently located at 400 Westfield Avenue in Elizabeth, NJ – just walk-in today! We are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to all families and individuals in the area and surrounding communities. We accept most health insurance plans and offer cost-effective payment options for those without. If you have any additional questions about the back-to-school services we provide, please contact our medical team directly at (908) 677-5900.
