Back-to-School Health Checklist for New Brunswick Parents
The Ultimate Back-to-School Health Checklist for New Brunswick Parents
By Dr. [John], Pharm.D. Lead Pharmacist, Ultra Care Pharmacy, New Brunswick
The end of summer brings a flurry of activity for families in New Brunswick: school supply shopping, finding out class assignments, and soaking up the last few weeks of vacation. As a community pharmacist, I know that a healthy start to the school year is just as important as a new backpack and pencils.
Classrooms are environments where germs can spread easily, leading to common illnesses that can disrupt learning and family life. To help you prepare, I’ve created this comprehensive health checklist. Think of it as your pharmacist-approved guide to ensuring your child is healthy, safe, and ready to learn this school year.
What's Included in This Checklist:
Vaccination Check: Reviewing New Jersey's school immunization requirements.
Managing Health at School: Creating action plans for allergies, asthma, and other conditions.
Preventing Common Illnesses: Tips for avoiding colds, strep throat, and head lice.
Building Healthy Habits: The importance of sleep, nutrition, and backpack safety.
1. Vaccination Check: Are You Up to Date?
Vaccines are one of the most effective tools for keeping children and the entire school community safe. Before school starts, review your child's immunization record with their pediatrician.
Key Requirements for New Jersey Schools:
Entering 6th Grade: All students entering sixth grade must have received one dose of the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis) vaccine and one dose of the Meningococcal vaccine. These are typically given at the 11-year-old checkup.
Preschool: Children aged 6-59 months attending preschool are required to receive an annual flu shot between September 1 and December 31.
Annual Flu Shot: The CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older, ideally in September or October, to protect against the upcoming season.
At Ultra Care Pharmacy, our immunization-trained pharmacists can administer many of these required vaccines, including the annual flu shot. Call us to check availability.
2. Managing Health Conditions at School
If your child has a chronic condition like asthma or a severe allergy, proactive planning is essential.
Create an Action Plan: Work with your child's doctor to create a written action plan. This should detail their triggers, symptoms of an emergency, and what medications to administer.
Meet the School Nurse: Schedule a meeting with the school nurse before the first day. Provide them with the action plan and any necessary medications, such as an inhaler or an EpiPen. Ensure all medications are in their original packaging and are not expired.
Educate Your Child: Empower your child to recognize their symptoms and know when and how to ask for help from a teacher or the nurse.
3. Preventing Common Back-to-School Illnesses
A few simple habits can go a long way in preventing the spread of common school-year sicknesses.
Handwashing: This is the single most effective way to prevent germs from spreading. Teach your child to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom, before eating, and after coughing or sneezing.
Don't Share: Remind your child not to share personal items like water bottles, utensils, hats, or hairbrushes. This helps prevent the spread of everything from the common cold to head lice.
Know When to Stay Home: If your child has a fever, is vomiting, or has a severe cough, keep them home to allow them to rest and prevent spreading the illness to others.
4. Building Healthy Daily Habits
A healthy routine is the foundation for a successful school year.
Prioritize Sleep: School-aged children need 9-12 hours of sleep per night, while teens need 8-10. A consistent bedtime routine, with limited screen time an hour before bed, is crucial for focus and mood.
Fuel for Success: A balanced breakfast helps with concentration and energy. Pack nutritious lunches and snacks, and encourage your child to stay hydrated with a reusable water bottle throughout the day.
Practice Backpack Safety: A heavy backpack can cause back and shoulder strain. Ensure the backpack weighs no more than 10-15% of your child's body weight and that they always use both shoulder straps.
Starting the school year off right is a team effort. If you have any questions about medications, vaccinations, or health supplies, we at Ultra Care Pharmacy are here to help our New Brunswick families.