South Heartland District Health Department

Healthy News – Back-to-School Vaccines

Issue 8 | August 2026

August 01, 2026

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PROMOTE A new school year is almost here. Now is a good time to make sure your child has the vaccines they need for school. Vaccines help protect your child from serious diseases. They also help keep classmates, teachers, families, and the community healthy. Children who are up to date on their vaccines are better protected and ready to learn.

PREVENT Some diseases spread quickly in schools because students spend many hours together. Vaccines help prevent diseases such as measles, whooping cough, polio, hepatitis B, and meningitis.

Before school starts:

• Check your child's vaccine record
• Schedule an appointment with your child's healthcare provider if vaccines are needed.
• Turn in any required vaccine records to your child's school.
• Ask your child's healthcare provider if your child needs vaccines recommended for their age, such as Tdap, meningococcal, HPV, or other routine vaccines.

PROTECT Nebraska schools require students to have certain vaccines before they can attend school unless they have an approved exemption. Getting vaccines on time helps protect your child and others who may get very sick from these diseases, including babies, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

A back-to-school checkup is a great time to update vaccines and ask questions about your child's health. Making sure your child is up to date before the first day of school can help avoid delays in starting school.

Have questions about school vaccines or immunization requirements?   Talk with your healthcare provider or contact the South Heartland District Health Department at 606 N. Minnesota Ave., Hastings, NE 68901, or call 402-462-6211.

printable copy of this newsletter.