NYC Health Department and Public Schools Remind Families to Get School-Age Children Vaccinated Ahead of 2026-27 School Year

New Public Awareness Campaign Reminds Families That Vaccines Help Protect Against Serious Diseases Like Measles, Polio, Chickenpox, and the Flu

Parents and Guardians Can Get Their Kids Ready for the School Year by Scheduling a Physical Exam and Submitting Required Medical Forms

September 3, 2026 — The New York City Health Department and New York City Public Schools are reminding families to get their school-age kids vaccinated ahead of the 2026-2027 school year, in addition to scheduling a physical exam and submitting required medical forms.

A new citywide public awareness campaign from the Health Department encourages families to get answers, get vaccinated, and get back to school and 2K too. The campaign reminds parents to talk with their child’s doctor about vaccines needed for childcare and school. Posters and commercials will run in the subway, online, in newspapers, and in community spaces through October, with placements in more than a dozen languages.

“One of the best ways to keep our children and communities safe is through vaccination, which protects children from serious diseases and helps prevent the spread of illness,” said NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin. “I encourage parents and caregivers to talk with their child’s doctor about vaccines and make sure their child is up to date ahead of the new school year.”

“Student wellness is an important part of creating school communities where every child can learn, grow, and thrive,” said New York City Public Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels. “As families prepare for the new school year, we encourage parents and caregivers to make sure their children are up to date on their vaccinations and have submitted all required health forms. Taking these steps before the first day of school helps support student well-being and ensures our schools are safe, supportive places where every child can succeed.”

“As the summer begins to wind down and families get ready for a new school year, making sure children are up to date on their vaccinations should be part of every family’s back-to-school checklist,” said Council Member Lynn Schulman, Chair of the Health Committee. “At a time when misinformation can create confusion and distrust, I encourage parents and caregivers to turn to trusted health professionals for clear, evidence-based guidance. Vaccines are one of the most powerful tools we have to protect children and keep our communities healthy. I want to thank the New York City Health Department and Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin for their continued work to ensure families have access to the information and resources they need to keep their children healthy and safe. Every child only gets one chance at a great education, and protecting their health is an important part of that opportunity!”

Immunization starts early to protect infants and young children when they are at greatest risk of severe illness and complications. Specific vaccination requirements vary based on a child’s age, grade, and medical history.

All New York City public and private school students are required to receive vaccines that protect against measles, mumps, and rubella; polio; chickenpox (varicella); whooping cough (pertussis), diphtheria, tetanus; and hepatitis B. This includes children enrolled in daycare — including 2K and 3K — Head Start, pre-K, or nursery school.

Children under age 5 enrolled in childcare and pre-K are required to also be vaccinated against Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b), PCV (pneumococcal disease), and influenza (flu). Children must receive the flu vaccine by the end of December 2026. It is best to vaccinate your child against the flu as soon as the vaccine becomes available in early fall.

Older children must receive the Tdap booster by grade six when they turn 11 years, and MenACWY (meningococcal conjugate) by grade seven. Additional information and answers to frequently asked questions are available at schools.nyc.gov/immunizations. Parents and guardians are encouraged to speak to their child’s doctor or visit nyc.gov/askquestions if they have any questions about vaccines.

The Health Department and Public Schools support a variety of school-based services through the Office of School Health to support student health by increasing access to no-cost support. School-Based Health Centers staffed by healthcare professionals are located in schools across the five boroughs and provide no-cost primary care services, including physical exams and vaccinations. Children who may need medication while attending school must submit an updated Medication Administration Form to the on-site medical staff each year so school health staff can ensure students receive their medications, including for asthma and diabetes.

Childhood vaccination coverage for school children in NYC remained stable in 2026, with more than 95% of children up to date by the time they started kindergarten. However, coverage is much lower among the youngest New Yorkers when they are most vulnerable. The citywide rate of full vaccination for children before their second birthday is 61%. Rates are lowest among Brooklyn and Staten Island residents.

Visit your child’s doctor before starting the school year or childcare to get them ready with vaccinations and other health needs. Help finding a doctor for your child is available by calling 311 or visiting the NYC Health + Hospitals website. Services are available regardless of immigration or insurance status.

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MEDIA CONTACT: pressoffice@health.nyc.gov