Back to School Health Checklist: Medications, Vaccinations, and OTC Supplies Every Mississippi Parent Needs

Vaccinations

Mississippi has school entry vaccination requirements that vary by grade. Confirm your child’s required vaccines through the school nurse or the Mississippi State Department of Health. Most pediatric vaccines can be received at the pharmacy depending on age. Common back to school considerations:

• Tdap booster around age 11 to 12.
• Meningococcal at age 11 to 12 with a booster at 16.
• HPV vaccine series.
• Annual flu vaccine before the season starts.
• COVID vaccine per current recommendations.
• Catch up vaccines if any childhood doses were missed.

Documentation requirements vary by school. Get the official vaccine record updated and submitted before the deadline.

Sports physicals

Required for most school sports in Mississippi. Schedule with the pediatrician or primary care provider. Bring the school form. The physical typically covers cardiovascular screening, musculoskeletal assessment, and a review of any chronic conditions or medications that affect athletic activity.

Medication management for the school year

Daily medications

If your child takes a daily medication, plan the school year refill schedule before August. Many families end up with refill problems during the first weeks of school because everyone forgot the timing during summer. Consider med sync so all your family’s refills come due together.

Medications at school

Most schools require specific paperwork to administer medications during school hours, including:

• A medication authorization form signed by the prescriber.
• Original prescription container with current label.
• For controlled substances, additional documentation may be required.
• Self carry authorization for inhalers, EpiPens, and diabetes supplies for older students.

Get these forms early. The school nurse cannot give medications without them.

Asthma and allergy action plans

Children with asthma should have a current asthma action plan and an unexpired rescue inhaler at school. Children with food or insect allergies should have a current allergy action plan and unexpired epinephrine auto injectors. Both should be reviewed annually.

Home health kit for the school year

Stock the basics so the first cold of the year does not turn into a midnight pharmacy run.

• Acetaminophen and ibuprofen, pediatric dosing.
• Thermometer.
• Hand sanitizer.
• Tissues.
• Saline nasal spray.
• Throat lozenges (age appropriate).
• Children’s allergy medication if applicable.
• Cough medicine (limited use under age 6, ask the pharmacist).
• First aid supplies including bandages, antibiotic ointment.
• Hydrocortisone cream for bites and rashes.
• Anti diarrheal and electrolyte replacement for GI bugs.
• Sunscreen for outdoor activities.
• Insect repellent.

Special considerations

ADHD medications

Many ADHD medications are controlled substances. They require monthly visits with the prescriber for new prescriptions and cannot be refilled the same way as other medications. Coordinate the August refill before the school year and plan ahead each month.

Diabetes

Children with diabetes need a school care plan, supplies at school, self management training appropriate to age, and a communication plan between school and family. Coordinate with the school nurse before the first day.

Mental health

Children on mental health medications often have higher stress at school transitions. Plan a follow up visit early in the school year if symptoms have been hard to manage.

Food allergies

Confirm school plans for safe lunches, classroom restrictions where applicable, and emergency response. Two unexpired EpiPens, with one at school and one with the student where age appropriate.

Sleep and routine matter more than parents think

Children need significantly more sleep than the school schedule often allows. Adolescents in particular suffer from chronically inadequate sleep. Reset bedtime in the weeks before school starts. Daytime alertness, mood, academic performance, and immune function all improve with adequate sleep.

When to talk to a pharmacist

• Your child is due for vaccines.
• You need to set up med sync for the family.
• You are not sure which OTC products are appropriate for your child’s age.
• You need school medication forms organized.
• Your child has a chronic condition that needs coordination with the school nurse.
• You are a caregiver supporting another family with school age children.

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Before starting or changing any medication, including over the counter products and supplements, talk with your pharmacist or physician about your specific situation.