Back-to-School Vaccines: What Vermont Parents Should Know

If you have questions about school vaccine requirements, you’re not alone. Here are three things every Vermont family should know.

As summer winds down, families are busy getting ready for the new school year – shopping for supplies, organizing the calendar, and adjusting to new routines.  There’s one more thing worth checking: Is your child up to date on their vaccinations?

Most families in Vermont choose vaccination as part of routine care. But parents often have questions about school vaccine requirements, where to find their child’s immunization record, and where to go for reliable information. If you have questions, you’re not alone. Here are three things every Vermont family should know.

How do school vaccine requirements help keep children safe?

Vaccines help protect children from serious illnesses that can spread quickly in school settings. They help keep children healthy and ready to learn, grow, and participate in activities. Vaccines also protect classmates and teachers who are immunocompromised or can’t get vaccinated for medical reasons.

Recent measles outbreaks across the country have shown how quickly the dangerous illness can spread in schools with lower vaccination rates. Schools with high vaccination rates are less likely to experience outbreaks.

While flu and COVID vaccines aren’t required for school entry, we recommend them for everyone ages 6 months and older. Getting vaccinated by the end of October offers the best protection before respiratory virus season begins.

How do I know if my child is up to date?

Talk to your child’s healthcare provider or school nurse and ask what vaccines they may need. To get a copy of your child’s record, you can request one from their provider’s office or through the Vermont Immunization Registry at HealthVermont.gov/VaccineRecords.

If your child needs to get caught up, vaccines are widely available through pediatricians, family medicine practices, local health offices, pharmacies for eligible ages, and other healthcare providers. Most recommended vaccines are covered by health insurance.

How do I know if vaccine information is reliable?

There’s a lot of information out there, and not all of it is accurate. If you have questions or concerns, your child’s provider or school nurse is always a great place to start.

When reading about vaccines:

• Consider the source. Is it from a medical professional or a trusted health organization?
• Look for evidence. Reliable information is based on scientific research and expert review.
• Watch for red flags. Be cautious of content that relies on fear, makes dramatic claims, or doesn't cite credible sources.

You can find evidence-based information from:

• HealthVermont.gov/VaccineInfo | @healthvermont
• VaccinateYourFamily.org | @vaccinateyourfamily
• HealthyChildren.org | @healthychildrenaap
• VaccineInformation.org | @immunizeorg
• Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Vaccine Education Center | @childrensphila

We know this time of year can feel overwhelming. Getting your child up to date on recommended vaccines is one of the simplest ways to help protect their health throughout the school year.

We’re here to help Vermont families cut through the clutter and get straight to the facts. Find information about school and childcare vaccine requirements at www.HealthVermont.gov/KidVax. 

Written by Merideth Plumpton, RN, Vermont Immunization Program Manager at the Vermont Department of Health.