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As backpacks get dusted off and school supply lists circulate, I find myself thinking
about all the small, unglamorous things that make a school year go smoothly, including
one that doesn’t get nearly enough credit: vaccines.
I know vaccines can feel like just another item on an already long back-to-school checklist: physical forms, immunization records, sports clearances. It’s a lot. But I want to take a moment to talk about why this particular item matters so much, not to add pressure, but because I think most parents genuinely want to understand the “why” behind what we recommend.
Vaccines work quietly. When they’re doing their job, nothing happens, no fevers, no
missed school days, no hospital visits. That invisibility is actually the whole point, but it
can make it easy to forget what they’re protecting against. Diseases like measles,
whooping cough, and meningitis haven’t disappeared; they’ve simply become rare
because so many children are protected. That protection depends on staying current,
especially as kids head into classrooms, buses, and locker rooms where germs travel
fast.  And the risk is changing; recent declines in immunization rates in the US and
locally mean more cases of vaccine preventable diseases like measles, whooping
cough and flu are popping up.
Back-to-school season is also a natural checkpoint. Many vaccines are scheduled
around ages that line up with school entry or the tween years, not arbitrarily, but
because that’s when protection needs a boost or a child’s immune system is ready for it.
If your child is due for anything, this is a great time to catch up, before the schedule gets
busy with practices and rehearsals. If you have questions or hesitations, please bring
them to your child’s doctor.
Truly, I’d rather spend fifteen minutes talking through a concern than have a parent quietly worry alone or skip an appointment. Most of us went into pediatrics because we care about kids thriving, not because we want to check boxes. We’re on the same team here.
The goal isn’t just to avoid illness. It’s to make sure your child gets to fully show up for childhood: the sleepovers, the field trips, the first day of school photos, the messy art projects and the team huddles.
Vaccines are one of the quiet ways we help make that possible. So as you’re gathering
supplies and filling out forms this month, consider this a friendly nudge, not a lecture:
check in on where your child stands, ask any questions on your mind, and know that
keeping up with vaccines is one more way you’re already taking great care of your kid.
Here’s to a healthy, joyful school year ahead.
Need to Get Your Child Up to Date?
Maricopa County Department of Public Health offers free routine immunizations for children from birth through age 18, regardless of insurance status. Clinics are available in Phoenix, Glendale, Goodyear and Mesa. Appointments are required and can be scheduled online or by calling 602-506-6767.
Book an Immunization Appointment
Learn More About MCDPH Immunization Services
About Maricopa County Department of Public Health
Maricopa County Department of Public Health works to protect and improve the health and well-being of Maricopa County residents and communities. Through programs and services including immunizations, family health resources, disease prevention, nutrition programs and community health initiatives, the department helps connect families with the information and care they need. MCDPH is committed to making trusted, evidence-based health resources accessible to families throughout Maricopa County.
