Doctor applies bandage to girl's arm following an immunization

With summer break just beginning, Sabiha Kanchwala, MD, medical director of vaccines at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, is encouraging parents to use the break as a timely opportunity to get their children up to date on routine immunizations before the next school year begins.

“Particularly for children entering kindergarten, we want to make sure they’re fully immunized and protected against preventable diseases,” Kanchwala said. “That usually includes a DTaP booster, polio, MMR, and a varicella (chickenpox) booster.”

Though the list may sound long, Kanchwala reassures parents that these immunizations are typically combined into just two shots, making the process more manageable for children and families.

Schedule early, avoid the back-to-school rush

Kanchwala recommends scheduling back-to-school vaccine appointments as soon as a child turns four years old to avoid the late summer rush.

“Starting around June or July, we get a big wave of parents trying to schedule appointments for school physicals and immunizations,” she said. “Getting ahead of it can save a lot of stress and prevent delays in protection.”

August and September are among the busiest months for pediatricians as families scramble for last-minute school and sports physicals.

Vaccines parents might overlook

While many parents are aware of the state-mandated Tdap booster for seventh graders, Kanchwala said other important vaccines for adolescents may not be as well known.

“We also recommend the HPV vaccine, which protects against certain types of cancer, starting as early as age nine,” she said. “The meningitis vaccine is recommended at age 11 with a booster at 16, and the meningitis B vaccine is recommended at 16 or 17 for certain groups like teens heading to college or joining the military.”

While there aren’t any major changes to the recommended childhood vaccine schedule this year, Kanchwala stressed the importance of staying current on seasonal vaccinations like the flu shot and COVID-19 boosters.

“The CDC recommended a 2024-2025 COVID booster earlier this year, but honestly, many people aren’t asking about it,” she said. “Still, we advise families to ensure their children are up to date on everything available.”

Pandemic-era gaps still linger

Kanchwala noted that some children, especially those born during the height of the pandemic, are still playing catch-up on routine vaccinations.

“There are four- and five-year-olds coming in now who might have fallen behind due to pandemic disruptions,” she said. “Whether it’s related to COVID or not, if parents aren’t sure their child is fully up to date, now’s the time to check with your pediatrician.”

Vaccines don’t just protect the child receiving them, they also help safeguard those who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical reasons.

“Herd immunity means enough people are protected, so those who are vulnerable, like children undergoing chemotherapy or those with immune conditions, are less likely to be exposed to dangerous diseases,” Kanchwala said. “That’s why getting immunized before school starts is not just important, it’s a public health priority.”

For parents with questions or concerns, Kanchwala encourages open dialogue with healthcare providers.

“If you’re unsure about anything or have vaccine hesitations, don’t rely on social media or misinformation,” she said. “Make an appointment, we’re always happy to talk with families about why vaccines matter and answer any questions they have.”

To learn more or to schedule an immunization appointment, visit online.