Back-to-School Wellness
A checklist for parents and guardians with children starting or returning to school.
Vaccinations
Immunizations protect your child from childhood diseases.
Children enrolled in Alaska schools must be immunized against:
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTap/DT/Td/Tdap)
- Polio
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Varicella (Chicken pox) through 6th grade
- Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) – under age 5 years only
The number of doses and type of vaccine required depends on your child’s age, grade and prior vaccination history. Check with your health care provider for details.
For additional information regarding school immunization requirements, see:
Tuberculosis Screening In School
Intent to Seek Repeal of Regulation (7 AAC 27.213) to Require Tuberculosis Screening of Students in School Settings: March 1, 2019
While the process of repealing the regulation is in progress, there will be no requirement for school districts to assess the TB status of their students for the 2019-2020 school year. Note that school screening will still be included as part of community TB screening in response to investigations of active TB cases
For current information about Tuberculosis screening requirements go to Section of Epidemiology's Tuberculosis webpage
Well-child checkups
A yearly visit with a health care provider lets you ask questions, track your child’s growth, development and overall health and makes sure your kids are up-to-date on their immunizations.
Though there currently is no state requirement for a physical examination for school entry, some school districts may require children to have a physical examination when first entering school. Contact your school district for their policy on physical examinations.
Many insurance plans cover well-child checkups and immunizations. If your child is on Medicaid or Denali KidCare, the entire cost of the well-child checkups, including immunizations, will be covered.
Staying healthy
Students will be spending their days in crowded settings where germs can spread easily. Simple precautions can keep your child healthy.
Birth certificates
Students entering school for the first time will need a copy of their birth certificate.
You can order an Alaska birth certificate from Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics online. For more information, call 907-465-3391.
