As families prepare for the upcoming school year, now is an ideal time to make sure kids are protected with the vaccines they need. Childhood immunizations do more than prevent common illnesses—they build long-term protection that keeps your child, and the community, healthy.

Routine Vaccines: What to Include

Staying current with recommended vaccines ensures your child is ready for school and protected in and out of the classroom.

A back-to-school vaccination checklist could include:

• Flu, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis), MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), and polio—commonly required for school entry.
• Pneumococcal, hepatitis A & B, and COVID-19—all provided through Eisenhower’s urgent care and primary care locations.

A Key Vaccine That’s Often Overlooked

One important vaccine that parents sometimes delay is the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine. This vaccine protects against several types of cancer, including cervical, throat, and anal cancers.

The CDC recommends children receive the HPV vaccine between ages 9 and 12 for the best protection. The vaccine is most effective when given before exposure to the virus, which is why early vaccination matters.

Want to learn more? Listen to this short podcast, where Aimmee Chin, MD, discusses the importance of the vaccine and why prevention is crucial.

Make It Part of Your Back-to-School Routine

In the rush of buying supplies and signing forms, don’t forget to schedule your child’s wellness visit and vaccine check. It’s one of the simplest ways to start the school year strong and safe.

To learn more or to schedule an appointment, visit EisenhowerHealth.org.