School starts in weeks. You need immunization records, a physical form, and probably that allergy action plan the nurse asked for last year. Here's what schools actually require, where those records probably are, and how to get organized before the first day.
Requirements vary by state and district, but most schools need these before your child can start. Contact your school district for their specific forms and deadlines.
The non-negotiable. Every state requires proof of vaccination for school enrollment. Most need the actual dates of each dose — "up to date" isn't enough. Required at kindergarten entry, and again at middle school for booster doses.
Where they probably are: the paper vaccine card, your pediatrician's portal, or your state's immunization registry (search "[your state] immunization information system" — most have a parent portal).
Most states require a physical within the last 12 months for new enrollees and kindergarteners. Some require one for every school year. Your pediatrician fills out the school district's form — call now because August appointments fill fast.
Where it probably is: nowhere yet. Call your pediatrician's office today to schedule. Ask them to complete the school's specific form, not a generic one.
If your child has food allergies, asthma, an EpiPen, or takes daily medication, the school nurse needs a written action plan signed by your doctor. This is separate from the physical.
Where it probably is: last year's school file (ask the office for a copy), or you'll need your doctor to sign a new one for this year.
Required at kindergarten entry in most states. Some states require screening at specific grade levels. Check your district — schools often provide these, but if not, your pediatrician can.
A growing number of states require a dental exam for kindergarten or first grade. Check your district's requirements — this catches many parents off guard.
In a kitchen drawer, a filing cabinet, or the baby book. It has some dates but not all — the pediatrician gave boosters after the card was last updated.
Has the most complete record, but you need to log in (what was that password?), navigate to immunizations, and print or screenshot it. Different system than the specialist.
Has everything — if you can find the parent portal and set up access. Every state calls it something different. But it's often the most complete source.
The school has copies of everything you submitted last year. But they won't send it to the new school automatically if you moved — you have to request it.
That screenshot of the portal. The photo of the form you filled out at the walk-in clinic. Scroll back to the right month and it's probably there.
If you've moved or switched providers, some records are at the previous practice. Call them — they're required to release records on request (usually within 30 days).
Schedule the physical if you need one. Ask them to print your child's complete immunization record while you're there. August appointments fill up — call today, not next week.
Search "[your state] immunization information system." Most have a parent portal where you can view and print your child's official vaccination record. This is often the fastest path to a complete record.
Don't guess which forms they need. Call the school office or check their website for the exact health forms required. Bring these to the pediatrician appointment.
If your child carries an EpiPen, inhaler, or takes daily medication at school, get a new action plan signed by your doctor for this school year. Last year's form usually doesn't carry over.
Once you've gathered all the documents, put them somewhere you won't lose them. Next year, next school, next move — you'll need these again. And again. And again. Not sure what to keep? The complete health records checklist covers every document type by age group. Or if you're ready to go digital, here's how to digitize your child's paper records.
Moving is the worst time to be missing health records and the most common time to discover they're incomplete. Here's what to do:
Request records from your old pediatrician. Call the office and ask for a complete medical record transfer. They're required to release them — but it can take up to 30 days, so start now. (Here's a full guide to switching pediatricians without losing records.)
Check your old state's immunization registry. Vaccines given in one state don't automatically appear in another state's registry. Print or download the record from your old state before you lose portal access.
Bring everything to the new pediatrician. They'll review the record, identify any gaps, and enter it into their system. This is also a good time to make sure nothing fell through the cracks.
Contact the new school early. Every state has different immunization requirements. Your child might need an additional vaccine that wasn't required in your old state. The school's health office can tell you exactly what's needed.
Start your child's Family Stork record and keep everything in one timeline — this year and every year after.
Start the record — free