Now is a good time to make sure your child is up to date on routine vaccinations, including an annual flu shot.
New York City requires children 2 months to 18 years old to be vaccinated against a number of diseases before being allowed to attend childcare or school, whether public or private. Vaccines not only help protect children from serious illness but can also help prevent infections from spreading.
Which vaccines does my child need?
The specific vaccines a child needs depend on their age, grade and vaccination history. The city’s Education Department maintains a list of vaccination requirements for students. If you aren’t sure whether your child’s vaccinations are up to date, check their records or ask their doctor.
Don’t forget the flu shot
Everyone 6 months and older should get an annual flu vaccine, according to NYC Health + Hospitals. Children under 5 in childcare or pre-K programs are required to get a flu shot by the end of the year.
It’s important for parents to understand the seriousness of the common flu, said Dr. Stephen Thomas, director of the Global Health Institute at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. Influenza sickens millions of Americans each year and kills thousands. People at higher risk for flu complications include children younger than 2, adults 65 and older, people with asthma and other chronic conditions and those who are immunocompromised. Your child’s vaccine shot will not only help them but can help people in these vulnerable groups stay safe.
Other steps that can help reduce the spread of flu include washing hands frequently and avoiding crowded places when influenza levels are high, particularly for people at greater risk of severe illness.
If your child develops flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, body aches and headaches, talk to a health care provider about testing and treatment.
What about COVID-19 vaccines?
NYC Health + Hospitals recommends that parents of children 6 months and older discuss COVID-19 vaccination for them with their doctor.
Where can NYC families get care?
NYC Health + Hospitals provides pediatric and adolescent services citywide at little or no cost. To schedule an appointment, call 844-NYC-4NYC (844-692-4692) or make an appointment online.
Parents and guardians can also find NYC Health + Hospitals locations throughout the five boroughs.
Certain NYC Health + Hospitals facilities will also participate in upcoming back-to-school events, including this one in Brooklyn:
Thursday, Sept. 3
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull at 760 Broadway
Back-to-school physicals
Ensuring your child is up to date with vaccines also offers a good opportunity to arrange for a back-to-school physical. NYC Health + Hospitals recommends that parents and guardians make sure children receive:
- An annual physical to monitor proper growth and development
- Vision and hearing tests and follow-up if you notice changes in your child’s hearing or vision
- Dental care and other routine preventive services
Children 12 and older can also receive the following services through NYC Health + Hospitals:
- Sports physicals for children participating in athletics
- Sexual and reproductive health services
- LGBTQIA+ care
- Mental health screenings and support when needed, including free access to an online therapist at TalkSpace
