How to Keep Your Child Healthy This School Year
How to Keep Your Child Healthy This School Year
As students head back to school, families often focus on classroom supplies and schedules. But your child’s health is just as important for a strong start. Pediatric and family medicine providers at University of Utah Health see thousands of children each year and know this season often brings questions about vaccines, routines, and illness prevention.
Margaret Solomon, MD, an internal medicine and pediatrics physician at U of U Health, shares five common health topics every parent should consider.
1. Food Allergies
Food allergies can be a serious threat to your child’s health and safety. Planning ahead ensures your child is protected during the school day.
If your child has a known allergy—such as tree nuts, peanuts, milk, bee stings, or latex—it's important to alert the school nurse, teachers, and coaches to their condition.
“If your child has been told by their provider that they need an EpiPen, the start of the school year is the perfect time to check in,” Solomon says. “Make sure you have a current prescription and schedule a visit with your provider to complete any school paperwork your child may need.”
2. Vaccines
Vaccinations are one of the most important ways to protect your child’s health and the health of others. Important vaccines to consider include:
Influenza: Schools are the perfect breeding grounds for cold and flu viruses. A single sneeze can spray thousands of germs into the air at 200 miles per hour and travel three feet.
Solomon recommends scheduling a nurse visit at your doctor's office to make sure your entire family is protected this season. Flu vaccines are generally available in mid-September.
Measles: The highly contagious respiratory disease can cause serious illness in children and even death.
“Measles is best prevented by having everyone up to date on their measles vaccine,” Solomon says.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend two doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine.
Recommended MMR Vaccine Schedule
- First dose: 12–15 months
- Second dose: 4–6 years old before school entry
Ask your provider if your child should receive the second dose early (as soon as 28 days after the first) for added protection.
COVID-19: As the COVID-19 virus continues to evolve and create new strains, there are frequently new waves of increased infection.
Solomon recommends that families talk with their provider to see if their child needs a COVID-19 vaccine—especially if your child is immunocompromised or if you have vulnerable adults in the home.
3. Routine
One of the best ways to set your child up for success in school is to establish healthy daily routines. You can accomplish this by:
- Eating nutritious meals. Eating balanced meals fuels learning and helps kids focus. Check in with your child’s school about free or reduced-price meal programs.
- Getting enough sleep. Sleep is essential for memory, concentration, creativity, and overall performance. Lack of sleep has been linked to lower academic achievement and school attendance.
- Encouraging more physical activity and less screen time. It’s important for kids to remain active throughout their day. Help them set boundaries with digital devices to avoid screen time, which can interfere with sleep and social interactions.
“Our providers see how sleep, nutrition, and activity impact not just school performance but overall health,” Solomon explains. “Getting into a steady routine before the first day helps kids thrive.”
4. Mental Health
Back-to-school season can be exciting but also stressful. Pay attention to your child’s emotional health, especially during times of transition. Talk openly about stress, friendships, and school challenges. If you notice ongoing changes in mood, behavior, or sleep, reach out to your child’s provider. Early support can make a big difference.
5. School Illnesses
Kids share more than pencils and textbooks at school; they also share germs. Remind your child to:
- Wash their hands frequently
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Stay home when they feel sick
These small steps go a long way in keeping classrooms healthy.
The Bottom Line
As your child returns to school this year, don’t forget the basics: keep vaccines up to date, maintain healthy routines, and work with your provider on any medical needs like allergy management. A healthy start sets the tone for a successful year of learning and growth.
Updated Car Seat Guidelines to Keep Your Child Safe on the Road
What is the appropriate age, height, and weight to switch your child from a rear-facing to a forward-facing car seat? Learn about current car seat regulations and how to keep your children as safe as possible while on the road.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease vs. Strep: How to Tell the Difference
Fever, sore throat, and a painful, spotty rash can look a lot like strep — but often the culprit is hand, foot, and mouth disease. Learn how the disease is transmitted, the key symptoms that distinguish it from strep, and the simple comfort measures that help your child stay hydrated and manage pain while the virus runs its course.
Is It a Cold or Winter Allergies? How to Tell the Difference in Kids
If your child's "cold" has dragged on for weeks, it may not be a cold at all. Learn why winter allergies are often mistaken for repeated viral infections, key differences to look for, and when it is time to let your pediatrician take a look.
