Healthy Living

Back-to-School Vaccines: What Parents Need to Know in 2026

Aug. 21, 2026

Pediatric experts share the latest vaccine recommendations to prevent illness and missed school days

Key Takeaways

New York State's school vaccine requirements remain in effect for the 2026-27 school year.
Vaccines such as flu, HPV, and COVID-19 may not be required for school attendance, but they're still worth discussing with your pediatrician.
If your child isn't up to date on vaccines, don't panic—your pediatrician can create a catch-up schedule to help get back on track.

As the back-to-school checklist grows and grows, be sure to make room for "review vaccine records" between all the binders and bookbags.

“Vaccines are like seatbelts,” says Geoff Weinberg, MD, pediatric infectious disease expert at University of Rochester Medicine Golisano Children's. “They’re a small step that provides big protection.”

If you're unsure whether your child is up to date—or you've heard conflicting information about recent vaccine recommendations—you're not alone. Here's what parents should know for the 2026-27 school year.

Did School Vaccine Requirements Change This Year?

Although federal vaccine guidance has changed in 2026, New York State's school immunization requirements remain in effect. School vaccine requirements are determined by each state, while medical recommendations may come from pediatric and public health organizations. Here's a breakdown of the difference:

School Stage	Required by New York for School Entry	Vaccines to Discuss With Your Pediatrician
Preschool/Kindergarten (ages 4-6)	DTaP, polio, MMR, varicella, hepatitis B	Annual flu vaccine, COVID-19
Middle School (grades 6-8)	Tdap (6th grade), meningococcal vaccine (7th grade)	HPV vaccine, annual flu vaccine, COVID-19
High School (grades 9-12)	Additional meningococcal doses may be required	Annual flu vaccine, COVID-19

Due For a Vaccine? Schedule a Well Visit Now

Flu Vaccine: Still a Top Priority

Flu season may feel far away, but pediatricians recommend getting the flu shot early. Last year’s flu season was considered severe, with 188 pediatric deaths nationally and 16 in New York state.

“Flu vaccine isn’t perfect, but it can reduce your child’s risk of hospitalization by about 50%,” says Jennifer Nayak, MD, pediatric infectious disease specialist at Golisano Children’s. “That’s a big deal when it comes to keeping kids healthy and in school.""

"Flu Before Boo!" is a cute way of reminding parents to prioritize the flu vaccine before Halloween, but any doubts or questions around exact timing is worth a discussion with your pediatrician.

COVID-19 Vaccine: A Shared Decision

What about COVID-19? While most children experience mild illness, severe cases can still occur—particularly in infants and those with underlying health conditions.

The COVID-19 vaccine is appropriate for children ages 2-18 for added protection against the virus. The AAP recommends COVID-19 vaccination for:

All infants and children ages 6-23 months without contraindications

Children ages 6 months to 18 years who are moderately or severely immunocompromised

Children ages 2-18 years in the following groups:

At high risk for severe COVID-19

Living in long-term care or other congregate settings

Never previously vaccinated against COVID-19

Living with household members at high risk for severe disease

When in doubt, talk to your pediatrician. These vaccines may be less available at pharmacies, but they are expected to remain covered by insurance.

Related: RSV Protection for Babies

For families with infants, it’s important to keep them up to date on all recommended vaccinations. This includes protecting your baby from RSV, a leading cause of infant hospitalization. Pregnant moms can receive an RSV vaccine to increase the protection passed on to their newborn. In addition, babies under 8 months of age are able to receive a monoclonal antibody shot to protect them during their first RSV season. These options are available through local obstetric and pediatric offices.

Vaccines For College Students

Living in close quarters increases the risk of illnesses such as meningococcal disease, which is why many college campuses require the meningitis (MenACWY) vaccine and may recommend additional doses or the MenB series depending on housing or activities.

Students should also stay up to date on Tdap, flu, and COVID-19 vaccines to help prevent outbreaks in crowded lecture halls and residence halls.

College years are a good time to start or catch up on the HPV vaccine series—it helps protect against several cancers later in life. Make an appointment with Student Health or a local pharmacy and upload the vaccine record to the student portal.

Missed a Vaccine? It's (Usually) Not Too Late to Catch Up

Many children and teens fall behind due to busy schedules, missed appointments, or changes in healthcare providers.In most cases, your pediatrician can create a catch-up schedule to help your child get back on track. Even if several years have passed, it's often possible to continue a vaccine series without starting over.

For additional information, the American Academy of Pediatrics has published updated vaccination recommendations. This information can be accessed at the healthychildren.org website.

Ace the Back-To-School Season

Back-to-school season can be stressful for parents, too. Learn how to manage school-year stress, set realistic expectations, and support your family's well-being throughout the year.

Parent Guide to School Year Stress