Back-to-School Health Checklist: 3 Things Your Kids Need

The rainy season has arrived, and with it comes the familiar rush of back-to-school preparations.

While you’re crossing items off your back-to-school checklist, one critical element often gets overlooked or rushed through: making sure your kids start the school year healthy and ready to go.

This season brings more colds and infections, and starting school is stressful enough without your kids getting sick on top of it. Your children’s health needs all the support you can give right now.

So allow us to guide you in focusing on three things that will make the biggest difference: Vaccination, Nutrition, and Sleep. These aren’t fancy or complicated. They’re just the fundamentals that keep kids healthy, help them focus in class, and get them through the school year without constantly being unwell.

1. Vaccination

Vaccination is one of the most effective public health tools we have. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), immunization prevents 2–3 million deaths every year globally and protects children from serious, preventable diseases like measles, polio, and whooping cough.

In the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) has established a comprehensive Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) that outlines which vaccines children need and at what age.

When children attend school, they’re exposed to more people and virus-contaminated environments. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children are vulnerable to disease outbreaks that spread quickly in crowded school settings.

Questions to Ask Your Pediatrician About Vaccination

Before the school year starts, schedule a visit with your doctor and discuss these important questions.

1. Is now the right time to get vaccinated, or should I wait until the school announces requirements?

Your doctor can review your child’s vaccination booklet and ensure they’re on track before school starts.

2. Which vaccines does my child need to repeat? My child is now ___ years old.

Different ages require different boosters. Your pediatrician can clarify your child’s specific needs.

3. If I missed a vaccine, can my child still receive it, and do we need to adjust dosages?

Missed vaccines can usually be given at a later date. Your doctor will create a vaccination resumption schedule to help you keep track.

4. Are combination vaccines (like 5-in-1) more effective than individual shots?

Combination vaccines are just as effective and reduce the number of injections your child needs. However, it is still best to consult your doctor for them to access your child’s health.

5. Are there vaccines my child should avoid due to allergies or previous reactions?

If your child has had adverse reactions or has known allergies, your doctor can recommend safe alternatives.

2. Nutrition

Nutrition directly impacts your child’s ability to learn, grow, and stay healthy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children who eat nutritious meals perform better academically and have fewer behavioral problems.

In the Philippines, the National Nutrition Council emphasizes the importance of the “GO, GLOW, GROW” food groups. It’s a simple framework to remember what balanced meals look like:

GO Foods (Energy): Carbohydrates like rice, bread, and cereals
GLOW Foods (Protection): Vitamins and minerals from vegetables and fruits
GROW Foods (Growth): Proteins from meat, fish, eggs, and legumes

As busy parents, packing nutritious baon can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be complicated.

Questions to Ask Your Pediatrician About Nutrition

1. Should my child eat bread or rice for daily energy?

Both are good sources of carbohydrates. Your doctor can help you choose based on your child’s needs and preferences.

2. What food can help my child grow taller and develop a healthy weight?

Protein-rich foods like fish, chicken, eggs, and legumes are essential. Your pediatrician can recommend portion sizes.

3. What vitamins or supplements does my child need?

Not all children need supplements if they eat a balanced diet. Your doctor can assess if supplementation is necessary.

4. Which vegetables would my child enjoy and benefit from eating?

Your pediatrician can help you explore how vegetables can be prepared in kid-friendly ways.

5. What back-to-school meal plan would be most effective for my child?

A balanced plan includes one protein, one carbohydrate, and at least one vegetable or fruit per meal. Your doctor can help you plan this based on your child’s needs and preferences.

3. Sleep

The National Nutrition Council of the Philippines has documented that insufficient sleep in children is linked to poor school performance, difficulty concentrating, behavioral problems, and even depression. The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes that sleep is just as important as nutrition and exercise for child development.

When kids don’t get enough sleep, their immune system weakens, making them more susceptible to infections and illnesses. This means more missed school days and more stress on the family.

Questions to Ask Your Pediatrician About Sleep

1. How many hours of sleep does my child need based on his/her age?

While the following are the recommended hours of sleep, it’s best to ask your doctor for strategies to get quality sleep:

Preschoolers (3–5 years): 10–13 hours
School-age children (6–12 years): 9–12 hours
Teenagers (13–18 years): 8–10 hours

2. Is my child’s current sleeping pattern healthy and sufficient?

Your pediatrician can assess whether your child is getting adequate sleep.

3. How can we reduce screen time (games, videos, phones) before bedtime?

Experts recommend no screens 30–60 minutes before sleep. Ask your doctor for tips to enforce this.

4. Does drinking milk before bed really help children sleep better?

Warm milk contains tryptophan, which can promote sleep. Your doctor can confirm if this works for your child.

5. Is loud snoring a concern in children?

Snoring can indicate sleep apnea or other breathing issues. If your child snores loudly, consult your doctor.

Is Your Child Ready for School?

Back-to-school season can be stressful for some parents, but prioritizing your child’s health doesn’t have to add to that stress. The good news? You don’t have to figure this all out alone.

Modern healthcare has made it easier than ever to get professional guidance. Whether you prefer an in-person visit to your pediatrician or a convenient video consultation from home, make sure you’re having these conversations with a qualified healthcare provider who knows your child.

Services like telemedicine platforms allow you to video consult with experienced pediatricians and primary care physicians without leaving your home. With the Doctor Anywhere app, you can simply book an appointment at your preferred time and do the video consultations without the need to travel to the clinic with your child.

Download the Doctor Anywhere app for free on the App Store or Google Play Store to create an account for your child. In the absence of an ID, please use their birth certificate and the “Registry number” as their ID number. To learn more about kids’ health issues and the support services that are available, visit https://doctoranywhere.ph/kids-health/.

Our general practitioners are also available 24/7, either on-demand or by appointment.

Use promo code DACONSULT30 to save ₱30 on your first video consultation with a general practitioner.

We also offer a wide range of specialists, including pediatricians, available daily by appointment, even on weekends and holidays.

Use promo code DAEXPERTCARE to save ₱30 on your first video consultation with a specialist.

One-time use per account for the first video consultation. Valid for new Doctor Anywhere users who haven’t had a video consultation yet.

Promo runs from Jan. 1, 2026 – Dec. 31, 2026. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-242044 Series of 2025.

Promo runs from May 1, 2026 – Apr. 30, 2027. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-253579 Series of 2026.

Visit https://doctoranywhere.ph/perks-and-promos/ for more information.