Most kids need shots like DTaP, chickenpox, HPV and Flu shot if it’s in the season, to go to school. The exact vaccines depend on your child’s age and what grade they’re starting. Schools need these shots to keep all kids safe from serious diseases. 

Getting your child ready for school means more than buying new backpacks and pencils. You also need to make sure they have all their shots. These vaccines protect your child and everyone around them from diseases that can make people very sick. Let’s look at exactly which shots your child needs and when they need to get them.

Why Schools Ask for Vaccines

Schools need kids to have their shots for a good reason. When most kids are vaccinated, diseases can’t spread easily. This helps protect everyone, even babies who are too young for shots and kids who can’t get vaccines because of health problems.

From 2019 to 2024, vaccination rates in kindergartens dropped from 95% to below 93%, which worries doctors because it means more kids could get sick. Think of vaccines like a shield that protects the whole classroom, not just one child.

What Happens Without Vaccines

In 2025, there has been over 1,300 measles cases in the United States, with 92% of cases happening in people who weren’t vaccinated. This shows what can happen when kids miss their shots. Diseases like measles spread fast in schools where kids sit close together, share supplies, and play together.

Before vaccines became common, thousands of children died each year from diseases we can now prevent. About 4 million deaths worldwide are prevented by childhood vaccination every year. That’s millions of families who don’t have to lose a child to a disease that can be stopped with a simple shot.

Required Vaccines for Starting School

Most states ask for the same basic vaccines, but some states have extra requirements. Here’s what almost every school needs:

DTaP or Tdap Vaccine

This vaccine protects against three diseases at once: diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough). Kids need several doses as they grow.

For kindergarten: Your child needs 4 to 5 doses of DTaP. The last shot should be given after their fourth birthday.

For middle school: Kids entering sixth grade need one Tdap booster shot. This refreshes their protection since the earlier shots wear off over time.

Whooping cough is especially dangerous for babies. When older kids get their Tdap shot, they help protect little brothers, sisters, and babies in their community.

Vaccines by Age and Grade

Different ages need different shots. Here’s a simple guide to help you know what to expect.

Birth to 2 Years Old

This is when kids get most of their vaccines. It might seem like a lot, but babies need early protection because their immune systems are still learning to fight germs.

Shots babies get:

• Hepatitis B (3 doses)
• Rotavirus (2 or 3 doses, depending on the brand)
• DTaP (3 doses in the first year, then boosters)
• Hib (protects against a type of bacteria)
• Pneumococcal (protects against pneumonia and other infections)
• Polio (first doses)
• Flu shot (starts at 6 months old)

Babies often get multiple shots at one visit. Studies show that getting multiple vaccines at the same time is safe. It actually helps because it means fewer doctor visits and faster protection.

Ages 4 to 6 (Kindergarten Shots)

The shots for kids between ages 4-6 are often called “kindergarten vaccines” because kids must be up to date to start elementary school.

What kids need before kindergarten:

• DTaP booster (5th dose)
• Polio booster (4th dose)
• MMR (2nd dose)
• Varicella (2nd dose)

This is also a good time to catch up on any shots your child missed when they were younger. Your doctor can create a catch-up schedule if needed.

Ages 11 to 12 (Middle School Shots)

Preteens need new vaccines and boosters because some childhood vaccines don’t last forever.

Required for middle school:

Tdap booster: Refreshes protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough. Even though kids got DTaP shots as babies, they need this booster because protection fades.

Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY): This vaccine protects against meningococcal bacteria that often cause meningitis and affect adolescents. Teens are at higher risk because they spend time in close spaces like classrooms, dorms, and buses.

HPV vaccine: This protects against viruses that cause several types of cancer later in life. HPV vaccination is recommended at ages 11-12 and can be started at age 9. Kids who start the vaccine before age 15 only need 2 doses instead of 3.

Ages 16 and Up

Second meningococcal shot: Teens need a booster dose of MenACWY at age 16. The second dose should be given on or after the 16th birthday, at least eight weeks after the first dose.

Some states also ask for a meningitis B vaccine (MenB) for high school or college students. Check with your school about what they require.

State Requirements Can Vary

While most vaccines are required everywhere, each state has its own rules. Some states ask for extra shots.

Examples of State Differences

Illinois requirements: Kids in Illinois need all the standard vaccines plus hepatitis B for kindergarten and a meningococcal vaccine starting in sixth grade.

California requirements: California requires polio, DTaP, hepatitis B, MMR, and varicella vaccines for school entry. They also ask for two doses of hepatitis A.

Other variations: Some states require extra shots for things like hepatitis A or have different rules about how many doses kids need.

The best way to know exactly what your state needs is to check with your child’s school or your local health department. You can also visit your state health department website.

Yearly Vaccines Your Child Needs

Some vaccines aren’t just one-and-done. Kids need them every year to stay protected.

Flu Shot (Influenza Vaccine)

The flu vaccine is recommended yearly starting at 6 months of age and continuing throughout childhood and adolescence. The flu virus changes every year, so last year’s shot won’t protect against this year’s flu.

Why it matters: Young kids can get very sick from the flu. Some end up in the hospital. The flu shot helps prevent this and stops kids from spreading flu to others.

When to get it: Fall is the best time, before flu season starts. But getting it later is better than not getting it at all.

First-time flu shot: When children receive their first flu vaccination, they need two doses given at least one month apart. After that first year, they only need one shot each fall.

COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 vaccines are available as a yearly immunization for children 6 months old and older. While not all schools require this vaccine yet, many doctors recommend it because COVID-19 can make children sick.

Young kids, especially those under 5, can get seriously ill from COVID-19. The vaccine helps prevent severe sickness and keeps kids in school instead of home sick.

What If Your Child Missed Vaccines? 

Life gets busy. Sometimes kids miss appointments or fall behind on their shots. Don’t worry – you can catch up.

Catch-Up Schedules

Doctors have special schedules for kids who missed vaccines. These schedules make sure kids get protected as quickly as possible without getting too many shots at once.

How it works: Your doctor will look at which vaccines your child already got. Then they’ll make a plan to fill in the gaps. Sometimes your child can get two or three vaccines at the same visit to catch up faster.

Starting Late

Some kids don’t get any vaccines when they’re babies. They can still get vaccinated later. The schedule is just different. Older kids might need fewer doses of some vaccines than babies do.

If your child is starting school and hasn’t had vaccines, talk to your doctor right away. They can help you get everything done before school starts.

Medical and Religious Exemptions

Most kids need vaccines for school, but there are some exceptions.

Medical Exemptions

Some children can’t get certain vaccines because of health problems. For example, a child with a very weak immune system might not be able to get live vaccines like MMR.

All states allow exemptions from school vaccination requirements for medical reasons. You’ll need a doctor’s note explaining why your child can’t get a specific vaccine.

Religious Exemptions

Most states (47 including D.C.) allow exemptions for religious or personal beliefs. Only four states – California, Connecticut, Maine, and New York – only allow medical exemptions.

Important to know: The share of children claiming an exemption rose to 3.6% in the 2024-2025 school year, the highest rate to date. When more kids don’t get vaccinated, diseases can spread more easily in schools.

If your child has an exemption, they may be excluded from class during an active outbreak of an illness like measles. This protects them and other students.

Preparing for Your Child’s Vaccines

Shots can be scary for kids. Here’s how to make it easier:

Before the Appointment

• Talk honestly with your child about what will happen
• Explain that shots keep them healthy and safe
• Let older kids ask questions
• Don’t say it won’t hurt – be truthful but positive
• Bring a favorite toy or comfort item

During the Shots

• Stay calm yourself – kids pick up on parent anxiety
• Hold younger children on your lap
• Distract them with songs, stories, or videos
• Take deep breaths together
• Praise them for being brave

After the Appointment

• Give lots of hugs and praise
• Watch for side effects (usually mild like soreness or low fever)
• Use a cool cloth on the injection site if it’s sore
• Give pain medicine if your doctor says it’s okay
• Plan something fun after, like going to the park

Common Vaccine Side Effects

Most kids feel fine after vaccines. Some have minor side effects that go away quickly.

Normal Reactions

• Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
• Low fever (under 101°F)
• Fussiness or tiredness
• Mild rash

These symptoms usually start within a day and go away in 1-2 days. They show the body is building protection.

When to Call the Doctor

Call your doctor if your child has:

• Fever over 104°F
• Behavior changes that worry you
• Severe allergic reaction (very rare)
• Symptoms that last more than 2 days

Serious problems from vaccines are extremely rare. The diseases vaccines prevent are much more dangerous than the side effects.

Cost and Where to Get Vaccines

Many families worry about the cost of vaccines. The good news is that most kids can get them for free or cheap.

Insurance Coverage

Most health insurance plans cover all recommended childhood vaccines at no cost to you. This includes private insurance, Medicaid, and CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program).

Free and Low-Cost Options

Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program: This federal program provides free vaccines to kids who:

• Don’t have insurance
• Are on Medicaid
• Are American Indian or Alaska Native
• Have insurance that doesn’t cover vaccines

Where to go:

• Your child’s regular doctor
• Local health department clinics
• Federally Qualified Health Centers
• Some pharmacies (for older kids and teens)

At Yorktown Health in Vernon Hills, we provide immunizations for both children and adults. Our caring team makes sure your child feels comfortable and gets all the shots they need. We also help you keep track of what vaccines are due next.

Keeping Track of Vaccine Records

You’ll need proof of your child’s vaccines for school. Keep good records to make life easier.

What to Save

• The official vaccine record card you got at the hospital
• Copies of all vaccine records from doctor visits
• School health forms with vaccine dates
• Digital copies or photos of all records

Lost Records

If you lose your child’s vaccine records, don’t panic. You can:

• Call your child’s doctor for a copy
• Check with your state immunization registry
• Get a blood test to check immunity for some diseases

Many states now have computerized registries that keep track of all vaccines given. Your doctor can print a copy from this system.

Apps and Digital Tracking

Some health systems have apps where you can see your child’s vaccine history. Many parents also take photos of vaccine records and save them in the cloud so they always have a backup.

Vaccines and School Physicals

Most schools need a physical exam along with vaccine records. It’s smart to do both at the same appointment.

School Physical Checklist

When you go for your child’s school physical, the doctor will:

• Check height, weight, and blood pressure
• Look at eyes, ears, and throat
• Listen to heart and lungs
• Check for any health problems
• Review vaccine records
• Give any missing shots

Schedule this appointment in the summer before school starts. This gives you time to get any extra shots or forms needed.

Sports Physicals

If your child plays school sports, they need a sports physical. This is similar to a regular school physical but focuses more on the heart, lungs, and muscles. Many schools accept a sports physical in place of a regular school physical.

Special Vaccine Situations

Some kids need extra or different vaccines based on their health or life situation.

Kids with Chronic Health Problems

Children with conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease might need extra vaccines. For example:

• Pneumococcal vaccine (additional doses)
• Flu shot (especially important)
• Hepatitis A (recommended even if not required)

Talk to your doctor about what your child needs.

Travel Outside the U.S.

Babies as young as 6 months old can get vaccines early if they’re traveling to places where certain diseases are common. This includes MMR for measles, hepatitis A, and sometimes others.

Premature Babies

Babies born early should get vaccines based on their actual age, not their due date. They need the protection just as much as full-term babies, maybe even more.

Talking to Your Doctor About Vaccines

Your child’s doctor is your best source of vaccine information. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Good Questions to Ask

• Which vaccines does my child need today?
• What diseases do these vaccines prevent?
• What side effects should I watch for?
• When should my child come back for more shots?
• Are there any vaccines we can skip?
• What happens if we delay or space out vaccines?

Important note: Delaying vaccines puts your child at risk. Babies and young kids can get very sick from diseases like whooping cough and measles. The recommended schedule is designed to protect kids when they’re most vulnerable.

Concerns About Too Many Vaccines

Some parents worry that babies get too many shots at once. Scientific data show that getting multiple vaccines at the same time is safe. In fact, babies’ immune systems handle thousands of germs every day. Vaccines contain only a tiny amount compared to what kids naturally encounter.

Why Following the Schedule Matters

Experts develop and update vaccine schedules based on the latest science. They choose vaccination ages according to when your child’s immune system will best respond and when your child faces the greatest risk of catching the disease.

Think of it like this: Would you wait to put on your seatbelt until after a car crash? Of course not. You wear it to prevent injuries. Vaccines work the same way. They protect before kids are exposed to diseases.

Community Protection

When enough people are vaccinated, diseases can’t spread easily. This is called community immunity or herd immunity. It protects:

• Newborn babies too young for vaccines
• People with weak immune systems
• People who can’t get vaccinated for medical reasons

Your child’s vaccines don’t just protect them – they help protect grandma with cancer, the new baby next door, and your child’s classmate with diabetes.

Vaccine Safety and Testing

Vaccines go through years of testing before kids can get them. Even after approval, doctors and scientists keep watching for any problems.

Before Approval

New vaccines are tested on thousands of people in clinical trials. Scientists check:

• Does it work?
• Is it safe?
• What’s the right dose?
• How many doses are needed?

This process takes many years. Only vaccines that are proven safe and effective get approved.

After Approval

Even after vaccines are approved, safety monitoring continues through systems like:

• VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System)
• VSD (Vaccine Safety Datalink)
• CISA (Clinical Immunization Safety Assessment)

The U.S. has the safest, most effective vaccine supply in its history, and vaccine safety systems ensure that vaccines are as safe as possible.

Getting Ready for the New School Year

Here’s a simple checklist to make sure your child is ready:

8 Weeks Before School:

• Schedule a well-child exam or school physical
• Gather your child’s vaccine records
• Check your school’s specific requirements

4 Weeks Before School:

• Get any missing vaccines
• Get the school health form signed by the doctor
• Make copies of all records

2 Weeks Before School:

• Turn in health forms to the school
• Buy any needed first aid supplies
• Review emergency contact information with the school

Week Before School:

• Double-check that all paperwork is turned in
• Talk to your child about what to expect
• Get school supplies ready

Final Thoughts

Getting your child’s vaccines on time is one of the best gifts you can give them. It protects them from serious diseases and helps keep their whole school community healthy.

Yes, shots can be uncomfortable for a few minutes. But that brief discomfort prevents weeks of serious illness, hospital stays, or even worse outcomes. Vaccines save lives – it’s that simple.

If you’re behind on vaccines or starting fresh, don’t worry. It’s never too late to catch up. Talk to your child’s doctor about creating a plan that works for your family.

At Yorktown Health, we’re here to help your family stay healthy. Our team provides comprehensive care for children, including all recommended vaccines, school physicals, and well-child exams. We know that every child is different, and we take time to answer your questions and address your concerns.

Ready to get your child prepared for school? Contact us to schedule an appointment. We’ll make sure your child has everything they need for a healthy, successful school year.

Remember: Vaccines protect what matters most – your child’s health and future. By keeping up with vaccines, you’re giving your child the chance to learn, play, and grow without the threat of preventable diseases. That’s something worth celebrating.