By Steven Evans, MD
Back-to-school season is both an exciting and stressful time for families nationwide. As the new academic year approaches, it’s crucial for parents to be thoroughly prepared to ensure a successful transition.
School preparation goes further than checking off school supply lists or arranging carpools; in fact, considering your child’s health and wellbeing is one of the most important forms of preparation for each school year.
Specifically, parents must be educated on the vaccination requirements that schools require— a crucial element that is often overlooked when considering back to school readiness. Staying informed about these requirements is essential to protecting your child’s health, along with the rest of the school community.
Back-to-School vaccines are a key component to being proactive for the upcoming school year. The Clark County School District has specific guidelines that must be followed in order for students to return to school each year. What parents should know:
• Know the requirements: Ensure children are up to date on all state-required vaccines for school: chickenpox (varicella), hepatitis A, hepatitis B, polio, tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (DTaP and Tdap), quadrivalent meningitis, and measles-mumps-rubella (MMR).
• Nevada Requires Hepatitis A: If you are new to Nevada, note that Hepatitis A vaccinations are required in the state of Nevada. Immunizations that were up to date in other states that do not require hepatitis A vaccination might not be current in Nevada.
• Plan ahead: Schedule appointments early. Pediatricians and clinics can get busy right before school starts. In addition, back-to-school vaccinations are available at the following Health District locations: Main Public Health Center, East Las Vegas Public Health Center, Henderson Public Health Center, Mesquite Public Health Center.
• Don’t forget COVID & flu: While not always required, the flu shot, and COVID-19 vaccines are highly recommended for school-aged children.
• Check for updates: Vaccine requirements can change from year to year. Parents are encouraged to check with their school district or pediatrician.
School preparation doesn’t end with supplies and schedules — it also includes establishing small daily habits that create successful routines for the entire family. Parents should initiate these habits that provide household stability and success:
• Sleep matters: Kids need 8-12 hours of sleep depending on age. Start adjusting bedtime 1–2 weeks before school starts.
• Screen-time boundaries: Limit devices before bed to improve sleep quality and encourage more physical activity after school.
• Reinforce hygiene: Remind kids about handwashing, covering coughs, and using hand sanitizer to avoid spreading illness.
• Keep communication open: Check in on emotional wellness. New school years can bring anxiety or stress to kids.
• Homework Schedules: Creating a designated homework space and time throughout the day. This helps to ease kids into a strong routine, helping them to never fall behind.
• Packing Healthy Lunches: Balance is key, aim for a mix of lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and veggies to keep kids full and energized.
Preparation is necessary in order for every family member to succeed in the upcoming school year. Routines, habits, and proactive actions are crucial to creating a safe and happy environment for the community around you.
Dr. Steven Evans is an anesthesiologist and the Chief Medical Officer of SilverSummit Healthplan, a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene, a managed care plan that provides health insurance to the people of Nevada. Established in 2017, SilverSummit exists to improve the health of its members through focused, compassionate and coordinated care. SilverSummit is a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a diversified, multi-national healthcare enterprise. For more information, visit www.silversummithealthplan.com.