We are now just a little over a week into the school year and as a parent who has experienced this transition many times, I know you’re probably still in the process of settling back into the routine.
Even the most organized of us probably has a few items left to mark off the “back-to-school” checklist. If you haven’t already, we’d like to encourage you to add three important items to that list to ensure the school year is as healthy as it is enriching.
Item No. 1: Make sure your child is up to date on their vaccinations.
This one is typically top-of-mind for parents with children just entering school. However, as they progress through school, it’s important to check that their boosters remain current which is important now more than ever.
The U.S. is experiencing its largest measles outbreak in over 30 years, with more than 1,300 confirmed cases across 33 states, including Michigan. There were at least three cases reported in Grand Traverse County over the summer.
Measles is a highly contagious, potentially fatal virus that can lead to pneumonia and brain swelling. The good news is that decades of research has proven the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine safe and effective. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends it as part of the routine childhood immunization schedule, along with vaccines for polio, DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis), and seasonal illnesses like influenza and RSV.
Vaccines are most effective when 95% of a community is vaccinated, reaching what is referred to as “herd immunity.” While there is a lot of news about vaccinations right now, the science remains clear: routine childhood vaccinations are safe and effective. We encourage parents to talk to their children’s healthcare provider to make an informed decision on vaccinations.
Which brings us to Item No. 2: Get your flu shot.
Early data suggests that the 2025–2026 respiratory virus season could mirror last year’s, which saw high levels of hospitalizations and multiple waves of respiratory illness. It’s recommended that everyone six months and older get a flu shot each year, ideally before the end of October.
This is especially important for young children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes. Even if it doesn’t prevent you from catching the virus, research has shown the vaccine can reduce the severity of the illness, preventing hospitalizations and strain on healthcare resources.
Flu shots are readily available through local pharmacies, health department clinics, and your primary care provider’s office and typically covered by private insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid.
And finally, Item No. 3: Have you scheduled annual check-ups for everyone in the family?
In the hustle and bustle of work and raising a family it’s easy to forget about our own health but in order to care for others we must care for ourselves.
Annual check-ups are essential to creating a baseline for health and catching issues early, managing chronic conditions, and staying on top of preventive screenings. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that adults who attend regular wellness visits are more likely to receive colorectal, prostate and breast cancer screenings, manage blood pressure and cholesterol effectively, and report better overall health.
These visits also offer an opportunity to discuss mental health and lifestyle changes which are key determinants of our physical health as well.
There are few things more satisfying than putting a checkmark next to a task and few more important to your wellbeing than the three outlined above. Please make sure your child’s vaccinations are current. Equally important, take time for your own health by getting a flu shot and scheduling an annual check-up with your provider. As we move toward and into cold and flu season, be sure to wash your hands frequently and if you or your child is sick, please stay home.
Thank you for helping us make this a safe, happy, and healthy school year. If you need more information or help finding a doctor, be sure to visit munsonhealthcare.org.