Autumn Health Check: 
Expert Advice on Vaccines and Wellness

As we head into the colder months, we typically see a rise in respiratory illnesses like influenza and RSV, so getting into the doctor’s office in October allows children to receive their annual flu shot and build immunity before peak season hits. The flu shot is especially important as the school year begins because influenza is one of the most common illnesses during the fall and winter months and a leading cause of missed school days. Staying up to date on vaccines helps protect not only your child, but their classmates and the broader community.

This time of year is also a natural checkpoint for other back-to-school health needs—whether it’s making sure your child is up to date on vaccines, has a current physical for sports, or has prescriptions renewed. Taking care of these essentials early helps set the tone for a successful school year.

We encourage families to follow the CDC’s recommended immunization schedule, which outlines key vaccines based on a child’s age. For example, children typically receive booster shots before starting kindergarten—around ages 4 to 5. Additional required vaccines come at ages 11 and 16, so those are also important milestones to keep in mind.

In osteopathic medicine, we look at the entire person—focusing on physical symptoms, but also on supporting overall wellness for individuals, families, and communities. Vaccination is a powerful tool in that preventive care model, especially for children. Some vaccine-preventable illnesses either pose serious risks early in life or may appear later, and because many of the viruses and bacteria targeted lack effective treatments, immunization is essential for protecting both individual and community health.

Foundational habits like sleep, nutrition, hydration, and stress management all play a critical role in supporting the immune system—especially in the fall season. For children, getting enough high-quality sleep is essential. Their bodies need that time to rest, recharge, and regulate stress. When sleep is disrupted or inconsistent, it can lead to increased anxiety and a weakened immune response.

Nutrition is another key factor. We often say that “food is medicine”—and it truly is. The way we fuel our bodies can either support or hinder our overall health. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins helps strengthen the immune system and prepares the body to respond more effectively to vaccines.

Even simple things like drinking enough water can have a big impact. These basic wellness practices might seem small, but together they create a strong foundation for preventing illness and building resilience as kids adjust to the structure and demands of the school year.

First, prioritize sleep. A well-rested body that gets at least eight hours of quality sleep each night is better equipped to fight off illness and manage daily stress. Second, practice good hand hygiene. Regular hand washing is still one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of viruses like the flu.

And of course, the key role that nutrition plays can’t be emphasized enough. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables helps ensure children get the vitamins and nutrients, like vitamin C, that support immune function. These everyday habits go a long way in helping children stay healthy and resilient through the colder months.

I talk with families about vaccines almost every day. There’s so much misinformation out there, often from social media or even certain news sources, so it’s no surprise parents have questions or concerns. 

One of the most common misconceptions I hear is the idea that vaccines are linked to autism. That claim has been thoroughly debunked, but the fear still lingers for many. When it comes up, I explain that there’s no credible scientific evidence supporting that connection and walk them through what we do know from research.

I’ve found that the best way to approach it is not from a place of authority, but as an understanding partner. I try to sit down with parents and say, “Tell me what you're worried about. What are your concerns?”

From there, I try to meet them where they are. Sometimes that means we agree to do just one vaccine at that visit, and they can come back to talk about the others. The goal is to build trust and work together, at the family’s pace, to make decisions that protect their child’s health.

One of the biggest things I wish families understood is how powerful small, consistent actions can be in both the short term and over a child’s lifetime—especially during the fall season when routines change and illness risks rise. Whether it’s being intentional and proactive about nutrition, prioritizing sleep, staying active, or keeping up with recommended vaccines, these preventative habits all work together to support a child’s overall well-being.