Backpacks, Binders, and Back-to-School Immunizations: Preparing for the New School Year

By Samantha Simmons, MS

As the days of summer begin to fade and the sound of school bells draws near, families all over Burke County are diving into the usual back-to-school rituals — shopping for notebooks, picking out new sneakers, and booking those all-important sports physicals. But while you're ticking off your checklist, don't forget one of the most powerful tools to set your child up for a healthy school year: immunizations way to help protect children from serious, preventable illnesses.

Convenient Clinics, Right Here in Burke County

We get it, life is busy. Between work, errands, and trying to soak up the last rays of summer sunshine, it’s not always easy to squeeze in an appointment. That’s why Burke County Public Health is hosting two special Back-to-School Immunization Clinics for rising 7^th and 12^th graders:

🗓️ Saturday, September 6🕘 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

🗓️ Wednesday, September 17🕓 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

📍 Both clinics will be held at the Burke County Public Health Department700 E. Parker Road, Morganton NC, 28655

Bring your child’s immunization records, insurance info if you have it, and an ID. Not sure what vaccines your child needs? No problem! The Public Health team will be on hand to review records and answer your questions.

For Kindergarten immunizations and physicals, please schedule an appointment at 828-764-9150.

From Kindergarten to Cap and Gown

Whether your child is stepping into their very first classroom or gearing up to cross the graduation stage, vaccines play an essential role every step of the way. From kindergarten boosters to teen vaccines that protect against meningitis and HPV, staying on schedule ensures your child is ready to learn, play, and thrive, without being sidelined by illness. For any child entering North Carolina public school for the first time, including Pre-K and Kindergarten, a health assessment (physical exam) completed within the 12 months before school entry is also required, and must be submitted within 30 calendar days of starting school.

*Check your state or district’s specific requirements to make sure your child’s record is complete before the first day of school**

Diseases like measles, mumps, and whooping cough haven’t disappeared in fact, they still pop up when vaccination rates dip.

So as you hunt down the last pack of wide-ruled paper or double-check your child’s bus schedule, add “check immunizations” to your back-to-school checklist. A quick clinic visit now could prevent a lot of sick days later.

To schedule an appointment or learn more, call Burke County Public Health at 828-764-9150.