Back-to-School Checklist: Make Sure Your Child Is Ready—Including Their Vaccinations
As summer winds down, both kids and parents prepare for the back to school rush into autumn. Along with school supplies and new clothes, it is a good time to make sure kids are up to date on all recommended vaccinations. Vaccines are a vital part of any healthy community, and they protect your child and others against many preventable diseases. Not only this, but the state of New Hampshire requires all children enrolling in pre-school or school to have had certain vaccines in order to attend.
WHAT VACCINES ARE RECOMMENDED?
New Hampshire requires the following immunizations for students attending school. Your pediatrician or family physician can help determine whether your child is up to date.
DTaP: Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis
4-5 doses with the last dose on or after the 4th birthday
Tdap: Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis
1 dose prior to entry into the 7th grade
IPV: Polio
3-4 doses with the last dose given on or after the 4th birthday (last 2 doses must be 6 months apart)
HepB: Hepatitis B
3 doses before 24 months
MMR: Measles, Mumps, and Rubella
2 doses with first dose given on or after the 1st birthday
VAR: Varicella (Chicken Pox)
2 doses with first dose given on or after the 1st birthday
In addition to the required school vaccinations, healthcare providers also recommend annual influenza (flu) vaccination and staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines based on current CDC guidance. While these vaccines are not required for school attendance, they can help reduce illness, missed school days, and the spread of respiratory viruses throughout the community.
The list of recommended vaccines may seem overwhelming, but don't worry—your child's healthcare provider keeps track of what is needed and when. If your child has fallen behind, it's usually possible to catch up with a simple vaccination schedule.
Getting immunized against preventable diseases is one of the simplest ways to stay healthy throughout the year! Many parents don't realize that vaccines themselves are available at no cost for all children through age 18 in New Hampshire through the state's childhood vaccine program, although an administration fee may apply depending on the provider.
WHERE CAN I GET VACCINATED?
Many parents choose to have their child vaccinated by their pediatrician. This is typically done in the office. However, there are other options available as well. This includes the following:
Pharmacies - this includes large retail locations such as CVS and Walgreens, stores like Target and WalMart, and even grocery stores (Hannafords, Shaws).
Community Health Centers - located across the state (list of centers)
Public Health Departments - select cities offer vaccinations
The important thing is that your child receives recommended vaccinations from a trusted healthcare provider or authorized vaccination site before the school year begins.
WHY IS VACCINATION IMPORTANT?
The best defense against many serious, but preventable diseases are vaccines. They offer a safe and effective way to protect your child from illness. Vaccinations also help protect those around you, including family and friends. Disease can spread rapidly in an environment like school, and an unvaccinated child could unintentionally give something to a caregiver or sibling at home. Vaccinations are cost-effective, as many vaccine preventable diseases can result in time spent in the hospital, and require expensive medication. Finally, vaccines protect future generations. The more children that are vaccinated, the less likely it is that vaccine preventable diseases will be a problem.
For questions about your child's vaccinations, contact your pediatrician, family physician, or local health center.
You can also review the 2026–2027 New Hampshire School Immunization Requirements here: https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt476/files/documents2/2025-2026-nh-school-imm-reqs-final.pdf