Keep Your Child Healthy: 5 Vaccine Best Practices for the 2026-2027 School Year

As the new school year begins, staying current on vaccinations is just as important as fresh supplies and new routines. Vaccines protect not only your child but also your family and community from preventable diseases. 

Here are five updated tips on vaccine best practices for the 2026–2027 academic year:

1. Follow the latest guidelines from your pediatrician.
Check in with your pediatrician to ensure your child is up to date on all recommended vaccines for their age. Vaccine requirements may vary by state, but pediatricians follow CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations. If your child doesn't yet have a pediatrician, Summus can help connect you.

2. Get the annual influenza vaccine.
The flu vaccine remains strongly recommended for all children aged 6 months and older, especially during the fall and winter months. Flu can lead to severe complications in children, even those who are otherwise healthy.

3. Stay current on COVID-19 vaccination and boosters.
Leading medical groups like the AAP continue to recommend the COVID-19 vaccination for everyone 6 months and older, based on strong evidence that the vaccines are safe and effective at preventing severe illness and complications. Parents should discuss with their pediatrician whether the vaccination is right for their child.

4. Be aware of age-specific immunizations.
Children need different vaccines at different developmental stages:

• Preschool (4–5 years): MMR, DTaP, IPV, Varicella
  Measles is a highly contagious virus and can cause serious complications like pneumonia and brain inflammation. The MMR vaccine, recommended by the CDC and AAP, is safe and effective. Children should get one dose at 12 to 15 months and another at 4 to 6 years. Vaccination protects your child and helps prevent outbreaks. Check with your doctor to make sure your family is up to date.
• Middle school (11–12 years): Tdap, HPV, and meningococcal conjugate vaccines
  The AAP strongly encourages early HPV vaccination, ideally starting at age 9, for stronger protection against cancer-causing HPV strains.
• High school (16 years): Meningococcal booster and MenB (serogroup B meningococcal) vaccine
  Especially for those heading to college or group living settings

5. Need help? Summus is here for you.
Have questions about immunizations, vaccine safety, or local pediatric care? Summus can help connect you with a pediatric expert or assist in finding in-person care near you. You may reach out at any time via your Summus Dashboard.