Ask Our Expert, Children's Health

A healthy start to a new school year starts with a visit to your child’s doctor. Dr. Katherine Piwnica-Worms, Assistant Vice President, Pediatrics at NYC Health + Hospitals, offers nine back-to-school health tips to help you prepare your kids for a healthy year.

Back-to-School Health Tips for the 2025-2026 School Year

1. Vaccinations
   
   Vaccines are necessary to help protect children and others against disease. In New York City, all students must get their age-appropriate vaccinations in order to attend child care or school. Check the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene website to find the latest information on vaccine requirements for your child. You can also find more details by visiting the NYC Department of Education website. NYC Health + Hospitals also offers the HPV vaccine for all children, adolescents, and young adults starting at age 9 years. The vaccine against HPV is highly recommended and can help prevent certain types of cancer.
2. Flu and COVID-19 Shots
   
   Every child six months or older should get the yearly flu shot. The flu is a contagious viral illness that infects the nose, throat, and lungs and can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications, especially for children. Flu season typically starts in the Fall and peaks between December and February in NYC.
   
   We also offer the latest COVID-19 vaccines. Children aged 6 months and older should talk with their doctor about getting their first vaccine dose and be fully vaccinated before school or daycare starts.
3. Annual Physicals
   
   Yearly physicals are important to ensure children are growing and developing properly. To support your child’s back-to-school health, make sure they visit their doctor every year.
4. Vision and Hearing Tests
   
   Children should have their hearing and vision routinely tested with their doctor from infancy through high school. Watch for signs of hearing or vision loss and talk to your child’s doctor if you notice any changes.
5. Nutrition
   
   You can help your kids make healthy food choices – even at school. Encourage them to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. When eating bread or pasta, choose 100% whole grain products. Encourage them to choose water, not juice or soda. Check out this nutrition resource guide for parents that has information for you and fun projects and activities for kids to learn about nutrition.
6. Take Care of Your Mental Health
   
   Managing school stress, relationships, and friend drama can be a lot for teens. Parents and guardians are encouraged to talk to children about their emotional health. Many pediatric clinics, including at NYC Health + Hospitals, screen children and adolescents for mental health concerns during annual well care visits and can connect families with needed supports and referrals. New York City teens that are 13-17 can also access a Talkspace online therapist at no cost. For details go to: NYC Teenspace.
7. Limit Screen Time
   
   • Children under age 2 should have no screen time.
   • Limit screen time to 1 to 2 hours a day for children age 2 and over.
   • Parents are encouraged to delay access to smartphones until at least age 14. If children begin to travel more independently in NYC before age 14, start them with a phone that cannot access social media.
     
8. Monitor Social Media Use
   
   Social media use starting during childhood can play a significant role in the relationships and experiences that impact children’s and teens’ growth, development and mental health. Parents are encouraged to set aside time to discuss social media use, including setting privacy limits on who can see and interact with them.
   
9. Sleep
   
   Adequate sleep helps keep kids focused each day at school and is important for their health.
   
   • Children 3 to 5 years of age should sleep 10 to 13 hours (including naps)
   • Children 6 to 12 years of age should sleep 9 to 12 hours
   • Teenagers 13 to 18 years of age should sleep 8 to 10 hours

These back-to-school health tips will help you and your family return to the classroom safely and be confident in your health.

Establish Family Health Care with NYC Health + Hospitals

NYC Health + Hospitals offers expert pediatric and adolescent health services at little or no cost.

To make an appointment for your child’s annual physical or find out more information, call 1-844-NYC-4NYC.