Back-to-School Health Checklist

As summer winds down and a new school year approaches, it’s the perfect time for families to focus on setting students up for a healthy and successful year. At the Regional Alliance for Healthy Schools (RAHS), we know that a strong start begins with good health—and that means making sure students are up to date on their vaccines, getting ready for flu season, and building healthy habits for the months ahead.

1. Stay on Track with Routine Vaccinations
Routine childhood and adolescent vaccinations protect against serious illnesses like measles, whooping cough, meningitis, and more. These vaccines are essential not only for your child’s health but also for keeping classmates and the community safe. If your child has missed any vaccines in recent years—or if you’re unsure of their vaccination status—now is the time to get caught up. RAHS school-based health centers can review immunization records, answer your questions, and provide any needed vaccines.

2. Get Ready for Flu Season
Flu season typically begins in the fall and can cause serious illness, especially for children and teens. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a flu shot for everyone six months and older each year. RAHS will begin offering flu shots at our health centers in the coming weeks, so families can protect their children before the season peaks. Watch for announcements from your local RAHS health center about flu shot availability.

3. Schedule a Back-to-School Health Visit
A back-to-school checkup is a great opportunity to address your child’s overall wellness. Our RAHS clinicians can provide sports physicals, manage chronic conditions like asthma, screen for vision and hearing concerns, and offer behavioral health support. These visits ensure that students are healthy, prepared, and ready to thrive—both in the classroom and beyond.

4. Build Healthy Routines Early
Starting healthy habits now can help your child adjust smoothly to the school routine. Make sure your student is getting enough sleep, eating balanced meals, and staying active. Encourage handwashing, good hygiene, and open communication about how they’re feeling—both physically and emotionally.

RAHS is here to help! Whether it’s catching up on childhood vaccines, scheduling a sports physical, or addressing other health needs, RAHS school-based health centers are here to support youth 21 years old and younger—regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. We provide confidential, high-quality care right where students spend much of their day: at school.

To schedule an appointment, contact your local RAHS health center.