Press Releases

Back to School Reminder: Physicals, Flu Shots and Other Vaccinations Help Keep Students Healthy All Year

NYC Health + Hospitals offers comprehensive pediatric and adolescent health services

Aug 12, 2025

NYC Health + Hospitals today reminded parents and guardians to schedule appointments for annual physicals, immunizations, vision and hearing, and other regular checkups. Public school starts on Thursday, September 4^th. Appointments for pediatric and adolescent services are available at NYC Health + Hospitals locations citywide at little or no cost by calling 844-NYC-4NYC (844-692-4692) or by making an appointment online here. NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln’s Chief of Adolescent Medicine Dr. Julie Nagpal offers back-to-school tips for parents here.

“A great school year starts with making sure your child sees their pediatrician,” said Katherine Piwnica-Worms, MD, MHS, Assistant Vice President of Pediatrics at NYC Health + Hospitals. “Regular visits at the start of the school year and throughout are key to staying on top of your child’s health. They give parents the chance to ask questions, get expert advice, and address any physical or mental health concerns early. Parents can call 844-NYC-4NYC to schedule their child’s appointment with a pediatrician.”

NYC Health + Hospitals offers comprehensive pediatric and adolescent health services at little or no cost. Pediatric services include, immunizations and annual flu shots, physicals, asthma and diabetes screenings, obesity prevention, nutrition counseling, dental services, mental health screenings and counseling. Adolescent services for those aged 12 and older include, primary care, sexual and reproductive health services, LGBTQIA+ care, mental health and depression help, and sport physical and sports injury care.

As children return back to school in September, below are essential tips for keeping kids healthy this school year and beyond:

• Annual Physicals – Yearly physicals are important to ensure children are growing and developing properly.
• Vaccinations – Vaccines are necessary to help protect children and others against disease. In New York City, all students must get their age-appropriate vaccinations in order to attend child care or school.
• Flu Shots – Every child six months or older should get their annual flu shot.
• COVID-19 Readiness – Talk to your doctor about the COVID-19 vaccinations. Children aged 6 months and older should ideally get their first vaccine dose and be fully vaccinated before school or daycare starts.
• Mental Health – Social media, screen time, and school stress can be a lot for children and teens. Consider limiting screen time for young children, and set aside time to discuss and establish privacy boundaries for social media use.
  • New York City teens who are aged 13 to 17 can also access a Talkspace online therapist at no cost.
  • VirtualExpressCare can also connect teens to a behavioral health doctor or provider. This is a low to no-cost service.
• Vision and Hearing Tests – Children should have their hearing and vision routinely tested with their doctor from infancy through high school. Watch for signs of hearing or vision loss, and talk to your child’s doctor if you notice any changes.
• Nutrition – Parents can help kids make healthy food choices – even at school. Encourage them to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. When eating bread or pasta, choose 100% whole grain products. Encourage them to choose water, not juice or soda.
• Routines – Consistent routines help keep children alert and productive during the school year and can be a life-saver when it comes to avoiding problems at bedtime. Afterschool routines should include consistent after school activity and homework schedules, TV time, dinner schedules, and bedtime routines.
• Sleep – Adequate sleep helps keep kids focused each day at school and is important for their health. Adequate sleep can range from 8-12 hours depending on the age of your child or teenager.

Several NYC Health + Hospitals facilities will participate in upcoming back-to-school events:

Saturday, August 16
10am – 2pm
NYC Health + Hospitals/South Brooklyn Health
Asser Levy Park, Surf Avenue at West 5^th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11224

Friday, August 22
11am – 3pm
NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi
1400 Pelham Parkway South, Bronx, NY 10461

Friday, August 22
12pm – 1pm
NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst
79-01 Broadway, 4^th Floor Room D4-17A, Elmhurst, NY 11373

Wednesday, August 27
11am – 2pm
NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln
234 East, 149^th Street, Bronx, NY, 10451

Friday, August 29
10am – 3pm
NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx
3424 Kossuth Avenue, Bronx, NY 10467

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About NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest municipal health care system in the nation serving more than a million New Yorkers annually in more than 70 patient care locations across the city’s five boroughs. A robust network of outpatient, neighborhood-based primary and specialty care centers anchors care coordination with the system’s trauma centers, nursing homes, post-acute care centers, home care agency, and MetroPlus health plan—all supported by 11 essential hospitals. Its diverse workforce of more than 43,000 employees is uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers, without exception, to live the healthiest life possible. For more information, visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.