Back-to-School Immunization Checklist: What Vaccines Does Your Child Need Before School Starts?

Lowcountry parents and kids are preparing for a new school year, and one of the most important steps parents can take is ensuring their children are up to date on the recommended vaccinations before school starts.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends following the routine childhood immunization schedule to provide children and teens with the best protection against vaccine-preventable illnesses.

“Childhood immunizations help protect students from serious diseases, reduce missed school days and support healthier classrooms and communities,” says Dr. Joseph DiMaria, a board-certified family medicine physician who sees patients at Beaufort Memorial Lowcountry Medical Group Primary Care. “We encourage parents to make immunizations part of their annual back-to-school routine by scheduling a wellness visit before classes begin.”

What Vaccines Do Children Need Before School Starts?

The vaccines a child needs depend on their age, vaccination history and overall health.

Here’s a quick guide to common vaccines recommended for school-age children and teens:

Hepatitis A

• Required: Before age 5/kindergarten
• Two doses: First dose at age 1 and second dose at least six months later
• Protects against: Hepatitis A, a highly contagious viral infection that affects the liver

Hepatitis B

• Required: Before age 5/kindergarten
• Three doses: First dose at birth, second dose at 1–2 months and third dose at 6–18 months
• Protects against: Hepatitis B, a viral infection that can cause both acute and chronic liver disease

DTaP

• Required: Before age 5/kindergarten
• Four doses At least one dose received on or after the fourth birthday
• Protects against: Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough)

MMR

• Required: Before age 5/kindergarten
• Two doses First dose at 12–15 months and second dose at 4–6 years. Catch-up doses should be administered at least four weeks apart.
• Protects against: Measles, mumps and rubella

Polio

• Required: Before age 5/kindergarten
• Three doses One dose received on or after the fourth birthday
• Protects against: Polio, a highly infectious viral disease that affects the nervous system.

Tdap booster

• Required: Before seventh grade
• One dose Administered on or after the child's 10th birthday
• Protects against: Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough)

Varicella

• Required: Before age 5/kindergarten
• Two doses First dose at 12–15 months and second dose at 4–6 years. Catch-up doses should be administered at least four weeks apart. Parents may also provide proof of previous chickenpox infection if accepted under state requirements.
• Protects against: Chickenpox, a highly contagious viral infection that causes an itchy, blister-like rash.

Immunization needs change as children grow. Infants, school-age children, preteens and teenagers all have different vaccine recommendations. While many of these vaccines are required for school attendance, others are recommended to provide additional protection. Your healthcare provider can help ensure your child meets both South Carolina school requirements and current CDC recommendations.

Additional vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccination, may also be recommended based on your child's age, health history and current CDC guidance. Your healthcare provider can help determine which vaccines are appropriate.

Parents should verify that their children meet the South Carolina school immunization requirements before the first day of school.

Your Back-to-School Immunization Checklist

Review Your Child's Immunization Checklist

Before school begins, take a few minutes to review your child's vaccination history. Children who are behind on vaccinations may be eligible for catch-up immunizations to receive the recommended protection as quickly as possible.

The CDC advises staying on schedule whenever possible because vaccines are timed to provide protection when children are most vulnerable.

Schedule an Annual Wellness Visit

A yearly wellness visit is one of the easiest ways to make sure your child is ready to return to the classroom.

During a wellness visit, your healthcare provider can:

• Review immunization records
• Identify any missing or overdue vaccines
• Complete school or sports physical forms
• Evaluate growth and development
• Answer questions about your child's health

"Annual wellness visits are one of the best ways to help children stay healthy throughout the school year," says Dr. DiMaria. “They're also a great opportunity for families to ask questions, review immunizations and address any health concerns before school begins.”

Read More: Your Back-to-School Checklist Includes an Exam

Don't Forget Preteen and Teen Vaccines

Many parents associate vaccinations with early childhood, but adolescents need important immunizations, too.

The CDC recommends that preteens and teens stay up to date on vaccines such as:

• Tdap
• HPV vaccine
• Meningococcal vaccines

These vaccines help protect against diseases that become more common or more serious during adolescence and young adulthood.

Get an Annual Flu Vaccine

Influenza spreads easily in schools and during extracurricular activities. The CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older, with very few exceptions.

Getting vaccinated as soon as the seasonal vaccine becomes available—typically in late summer or early fall—helps provide protection throughout flu season and can reduce the risk of illness, missed school and disruptions to family routines.

Read More: Flu Season: Watch Out for These 10 Other Illnesses

Check South Carolina School Vaccine Requirements

In addition to CDC recommendations, South Carolina requires students to meet specific immunization requirements for school attendance. Parents should review these requirements and ensure all necessary documentation is completed before the school year begins.

Keeping Your Child Safe and Healthy This School Year

As you prepare backpacks, school supplies and class schedules, don't forget one of the most important back-to-school essentials: your child's immunizations.

1. Check your child's immunization records before school starts. Missing vaccines can leave children vulnerable to preventable diseases and may delay school enrollment until immunization requirements are met. Reviewing records early gives families time to schedule any needed appointments before the back-to-school rush.
2. Preteens and teens need vaccines, too. Immunizations such as Tdap, HPV and meningococcal vaccines help protect older children from serious illnesses during middle school, high school and young adulthood. Annual wellness visits are the best way to make sure your child stays on schedule.
3. A back-to-school physical is the perfect time to catch up. If your child has missed a vaccine dose or is due for any immunizations, a wellness visit can get them back on track. Your healthcare provider can review vaccination records, complete school or sports physical forms and answer any questions you or your child may have. Catching up early can help your child enjoy a healthier school year with fewer illnesses and fewer missed days of school.

Beaufort Memorial is offering $20 physicals through September 30 for sports, camp and school physicals at all three Express Care locations.