Back-to-School Health: What Families Need to Know About Vaccinations and Wellness

As families across California prepare for the new school year, Asare Research and Development (AR+D) encourages parents and caregivers to make student health a top priority—starting with routine vaccinations and preventive care.

Back-to-school season is a critical time to ensure children and teens are protected from preventable diseases and equipped to thrive in the classroom. Whether your child is entering kindergarten or heading into high school, updated immunizations and health screenings are essential for both individual wellness and community safety.

Key Vaccinations to Review

California law requires several vaccinations for school entry, including:

• DTaP/Tdap – protection against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough)
• MMR – measles, mumps, and rubella
• Varicella – chickenpox
• Polio
• Hepatitis B

For older students, additional recommended vaccines may include:

• HPV vaccine – to help prevent certain cancers
• Meningococcal vaccine – protection against meningitis
• COVID-19 vaccine – strongly encouraged, particularly for those with underlying conditions

Check with your healthcare provider or school district for grade-level requirements and exemptions.

Whole-Child Health Matters

Beyond immunizations, now is the time to schedule:

• Annual physical exams
• Vision and hearing screenings
• Mental health check-ins, especially for students adjusting after summer or returning from remote learning transitions

Building strong health routines early in the school year supports academic success, reduces absenteeism, and fosters resilience—especially in communities managing chronic health disparities.

AR+D’s Ongoing Commitment

At AR+D, we support evidence-based public health strategies that improve outcomes for all Californians. Our work includes expanding access to health education, partnering with local organizations, and equipping families with the tools they need to make informed choices.

We encourage schools, community clinics, and parents to work together to ensure students are healthy, ready, and protected as they return to the classroom.

Let’s make this school year a safe and strong start—for every child, in every zip code.