Back-to-School Vaccines Nashville Parents Should Know Before September

As the first day of school gets closer, parents are busy checking off school supply lists, shopping for new clothes, and getting back into a routine. One important item that should be on your checklist is to make sure your child’s vaccinations are up to date.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to review your child’s immunization record before September arrives. Staying current with recommended vaccines helps protect your child and supports a healthier school community.

Why vaccinations matter before school starts

When children learn and play together, they spend a lot of time in close contact with classmates. Vaccinations help reduce the spread of several preventable diseases, allowing children to spend more time learning and less time recovering from illness.

In Tennessee, children enrolling in preschool, kindergarten, or school are required to meet state immunization requirements unless they qualify for an approved exemption. Parents should also provide a valid Tennessee Immunization Certificate when required by their child’s school or childcare program.

Vaccines parents should review

Your child’s healthcare provider can help determine whether they are up to date, but common vaccines to review before school include:

• DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis)
• Polio (IPV)
• MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
• Varicella (Chickenpox)
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B

Children entering kindergarten may need additional doses to meet Tennessee’s school requirements. Your pediatrician can review your child’s immunization history and recommend any needed vaccines.

Schedule appointments early

Late summer is one of the busiest times for pediatric offices and public health clinics. Scheduling your child’s appointment before the last few weeks of August can help you avoid long waits and reduce last-minute stress.

Keeping up with vaccinations is just one part of establishing healthy habits for preschoolers before the school year begins. A balanced diet, regular handwashing, enough sleep, and routine wellness visits all help children start the year feeling their best.

Make the transition back to school easier

Preparing for school involves more than buying supplies. It is also a good time to reestablish bedtimes, practice morning routines, and organize important health records.

Reviewing your child’s vaccination record can become part of preparing for the first day of school, giving you one less thing to worry about when September arrives.

A healthy start to a successful school year

National Immunization Awareness Month is a helpful reminder to check in with your child’s healthcare provider before the school year begins. Staying current with recommended vaccines helps protect your child and supports a safe learning environment for classmates, teachers, and the community.

At FLOE Academy, we encourage families to take simple steps that help children arrive healthy, confident, and ready to learn.

Future Leaders of Excellence Academy

📞 (615) 239-8261

📧 floeacademy@gmail.com

🌐 www.floeacademy.com