Back-to-School Health Checklist: NYC Health + Hospitals Urges Families to Schedule Physicals, Vaccines and Flu Shots Before School Starts
By Staff Reporter
Bronx Voice
August 5, 2026
NEW YORK, NY - As families prepare for the new school year, NYC Health + Hospitals is reminding parents and guardians that a healthy start begins with a visit to the pediatrician.
With New York City public schools set to open on Thursday, September 10, the city's public health system is encouraging families to schedule annual physicals, routine vaccinations, flu shots, vision and hearing screenings, and other preventive care appointments before students head back to the classroom.
Pediatric and adolescent appointments are available at NYC Health + Hospitals locations across the five boroughs at little or no cost. Families can schedule an appointment by calling 844-NYC-4NYC (844-692-4692) or booking online.
"A great school year begins with a visit to your child's pediatrician," said Dr. Katherine Piwnica-Worms, System Chief of Pediatrics at NYC Health + Hospitals.
"Regular checkups before school starts and throughout the year help keep children healthy and thriving. These visits give parents the opportunity to ask questions, receive trusted guidance, and address any physical, developmental, or mental health concerns early, helping children stay ready to learn and succeed."
Comprehensive Care for Children and Teens
NYC Health + Hospitals offers a wide range of pediatric and adolescent health services designed to support children from infancy through the teenage years.
For younger children, services include annual physicals, immunizations, flu vaccinations, asthma and diabetes screenings, nutrition counseling, obesity prevention, dental care, and mental health screenings.
Teens ages 12 and older also have access to primary care, sports physicals and injury care, sexual and reproductive health services, LGBTQIA+ care, and behavioral health support, including depression screenings and counseling.
Back-to-School Health Tips for Families
Health experts recommend taking several steps before the first day of school to help children stay healthy throughout the year:
Schedule an annual physical.
Yearly checkups help monitor growth and development while identifying potential health concerns early.
Stay current on vaccinations.
New York City requires students attending school or child care to receive age-appropriate immunizations.
Get a flu shot.
Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for every child 6 months and older.
Discuss COVID-19 vaccination.
Parents should speak with their child's healthcare provider about recommended COVID-19 vaccines. Children 6 months and older should ideally be vaccinated before school or daycare begins.
Prioritize mental health.
School stress, social media, and increased screen time can affect children's emotional well-being. Families are encouraged to set healthy screen-time limits, establish social media boundaries, and have regular conversations about mental health. Teens ages 13 to 17 can also access free Talkspace online therapy, while VirtualExpressCare offers low- to no-cost virtual behavioral health services.
Don't skip vision and hearing screenings.
Routine testing can help identify issues that may affect learning and development.
Promote healthy eating habits.
Encourage children to eat more fruits and vegetables, choose whole grains, and drink water instead of sugary beverages.
Create consistent routines.
Regular schedules for homework, after-school activities, meals, and bedtime can help children stay focused and reduce stress.
Make sleep a priority.
Depending on age, children and teens should get between eight and 12 hours of sleep each night to support learning, concentration, and overall health.
Upcoming Back-to-School Events
Several NYC Health + Hospitals facilities will host back-to-school events where families can access health resources and information:
Friday, August 7 | 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx
3424 Kossuth Avenue, Bronx, NY 10467
Friday, August 14 | 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi
1400 Pelham Parkway South, Bronx, NY 10461
Thursday, September 3 | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull
760 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11206
Officials said additional event locations may be announced as participating facilities confirm their schedules.
Parents looking to avoid the back-to-school rush are encouraged to schedule appointments as early as possible to ensure students meet school health requirements and begin the academic year healthy, protected, and ready to learn.
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