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Medical Minute: 6 tips from school nurses for a healthy back-to-school season

The first day of school will be here before you know it. As you check off school supply lists and shop for new shoes, don’t forget one of the most important back-to-school essentials – your child’s health.

Pennsylvania school nurses surveyed by Penn State Health shared their top tips to help families get ready for a healthy 2026-27 school year:

1. Make sure vaccines, physicals and dental exams are up to date.

  • Did you know that Pennsylvania requires certain vaccinations, physicals and dental exams for each grade level? Immunizations are required before students enter kindergarten, 7th and 12th grade, and for all new students. Check what vaccinations your child may need on the Pennsylvania Department of Health website or ask your school nurse for a list.
  • Physical exams are required for those entering kindergarten, 6th and 11th grade, as well as new students. Your child’s primary care physician (PCP) can complete the exam. If you don’t have a PCP, your school nurse can recommend some in your area.
  • Dental exams are required for grades kindergarten, 3rd and 7th grade, as well as new students.

2. Get back into a school routine now.

It’s tempting to allow the kids to sleep in every day, but school nurses say now is the time to get back into a school bedtime and wake-up schedule, so they’re accustomed to it the first week of school. This includes making time for a healthy breakfast before they leave the house.

Once the school year starts, continue to make sleep a priority. Getting enough rest helps children stay focused, supports learning and reinforces a healthy immune system.

3. Submit medication forms and emergency plans before school.

If your child needs regular or occasional medications during the school day, you must fill out the required paperwork before the first day of school. School nurses urge parents to connect with them before school so they are clear on your child’s medical needs, medications and emergency care plan.

4. Fuel growing bodies with a healthy diet.

Your teens may want to exist on a diet of energy drinks and fast food, but their growing bodies need healthy fuel. Encourage a balanced diet, including protein, fruits, vegetables and healthy carbohydrates like whole grains. And leave the energy drinks at the store.

5. Wash your hands!

Schools are high-touch environments, and hand-washing after using the bathroom, before eating and touching common areas can help stave off colds and other viruses. Teach your kids proper hand-washing techniques. That includes 20 seconds of vigorous scrubbing with soap and water all over the front and back of hands. Need a timer? Hum “Happy Birthday to You” twice through while you lather.

6. Keep sick kids home.

Illness spreads when sick kids are sent to school, so look for signs that your child may be contagious. These include a fever of more than 100.4 degrees, vomiting or diarrhea. School nurses also remind parents that not every illness requires staying home. If your child has a mild headache or isn’t feeling their best but isn’t contagious, they may still be able to attend school. This helps save absences for when your child is truly ill.

That said, if your child has a contagious illness, keep them home to help protect their classmates, teachers and school staff. You know your child best, so use your best judgment.

One of the most important tips to remember is your school nurse is your partner in your child’s health. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them if you have questions about vaccinations, medications, illnesses or other health concerns. Working together, parents and school nurses can help keep children healthy, safe and ready to learn throughout the school year.

Find a Penn State Health pediatrician near you.

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