# data[].attributes.headline
Vaccines for School-Aged Kids (6–12 years)

# data[].attributes.subject
Vaccines for School-Aged Kids (6–12 years)

# data[].attributes.body
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children between ages 6 and 12 need to stay on track with important vaccinations to stay healthy and prevent disease outbreaks in schools.

Vaccines recommended for this age group include:

DTaP booster: protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough)

MMR booster: protects against measles, mumps, and rubella

Varicella booster: protects against chickenpox

Yearly Influenza vaccine: helps prevent the flu

COVID-19 vaccine: recommended for children 6+ based on updated CDC guidance

HPV and Meningococcal vaccines (usually at age 11–12)

Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to prevent serious illnesses. The CDC provides a child immunization schedule for parents and caregivers to follow.

Reference:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 1). Vaccines and immunizations. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/index.html

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find information related to Vaccines and Immunizations.

# data[].attributes.headline
Common Accidents and Injuries in School-Aged Children

# data[].attributes.subject
Common Accidents and Injuries in School-Aged Children

# data[].attributes.body
Accidents are one of the top causes of injury in school-aged children, according to the CDC's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.

Some of the most common types of injuries include:

Falls: playground equipment, stairs, or during sports

Sports injuries: sprains, strains, and concussions (especially in contact sports)

Bicycle accidents: often due to not wearing helmets

Cuts and bruises: from rough play or accidents at home or school

Prevention strategies include:

Wearing appropriate safety gear (like helmets and knee pads)

Ensuring adult supervision during physical activities

Teaching children basic safety rules for play and traffic

The CDC's HEADS UP program provides safety tips for preventing concussions in young athletes.

Reference:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, April 15). HEADS UP. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/heads-up/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
CDC HEADS UP is the go-to resource for concussion safety and prevention.

# data[].attributes.headline
Common Childhood Illnesses in School-Aged Kids

# data[].attributes.subject
Common Childhood Illnesses in School-Aged Kids

# data[].attributes.body
School-aged children are exposed to many germs due to close contact in classrooms, making them more likely to catch infectious diseases. The CDC outlines several common illnesses:

Strep throat: causes sore throat, fever, and requires antibiotics

Influenza: spreads easily and can cause fever, chills, body aches

Conjunctivitis (pink eye): highly contagious, causes red, itchy eyes

Head lice: common in shared spaces; not dangerous but very contagious

Asthma and seasonal allergies: often triggered by pollen or exercise

Prevention strategies include frequent handwashing, using tissues or elbows to cover coughs/sneezes, and staying home when sick.

Reference:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Parents. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved June 13, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/parents/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find helpful resources for parents to help keep your family healthy and safe.

# data[].attributes.headline
Mental and Emotional Health for School-Aged Children

# data[].attributes.subject
Mental and Emotional Health for School-Aged Children

# data[].attributes.body
The CDC states that emotional and behavioral health is just as important as physical health. Children aged 6–12 often experience challenges such as:

Anxiety: especially related to school performance or peer relationships

Bullying: which can lead to low self-esteem, isolation, and depression

ADHD: signs include difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior

Grief, trauma, or family stress: can impact behavior and mood

Warning signs include:

Sudden changes in behavior

Trouble sleeping or eating

Withdrawal from friends or activities

Academic decline

Early support from parents, teachers, and school counselors can help.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Mental health in childhood includes reaching developmental and emotional milestones, and learning healthy social skills and how to cope when there are problems.

The quality of the relationships and environments where children and adolescents grow up shapes their well-being and development.

Early diagnosis and access to services for children and their families can make a difference in the lives of children with mental health conditions.

Overview

Children who experience good well-being and mental health have a positive quality of life and can function well at home, in school, with peers, and in their communities.
Mental health is not simply the absence of a mental health condition-it is also about a child's well-being and ability to thrive.

Many factors influence a child's well-being and ability to thrive, such as family and community relationships, access to opportunities, and environmental circumstances.

Children can experience positive well-being even if they are living with a mental health condition. There may be many reasons for this, including access to effective treatment that helps manage symptoms along with safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments in a child's life.

Children who don't have a mental health condition may still experience challenges to their mental health, including their development and ability to cope with everyday stressors and toxic stressors.

Childhood and adolescence are critical stages of life for mental health. This is a time of rapid growth and brain development.

Young people are rapidly learning social-emotional skills that shape their future ability to learn, grow, and adapt to different situations in life.

Healthy development means that children of all abilities, including those with special health care needs, can grow up in a home where their social, emotional, and educational needs are met.

The quality of the relationships and environments where children and adolescents grow up shapes their well-being and development.

Early adverse experiences in homes, schools, or digital spaces increase the risk of mental health problems. This includes experiencing or witnessing violence, living with a parent or other caregiver with substance use or a mental health condition, and not having sufficient or stable housing or food.

Symptoms

Childhood mental health conditions

Many children occasionally experience fears and worries or display disruptive behaviors. If symptoms are severe and persistent and interfere with school, home, or play activities, the child may be diagnosed with a mental health condition.

Symptoms of mental health conditions change over time as a child grows and may include difficulties with how they feel, their ability to handle emotions, and how they play, learn, speak, and act.

Symptoms for some conditions can start in early childhood, while other do not begin to develop until a bit later in childhood or during the teenage years.

Testing and diagnosis

If you are concerned about your child's mental health, talk to a health care provider about getting a comprehensive evaluation for your child to get the right diagnosis and treatment.

Many mental health disorders are chronic health conditions-conditions that last a long time and often don't go away completely. They can continue through the lifespan.

Some conditions may respond quickly to treatment by a trained health care professional and may not recur.

Without early diagnosis and treatment, children with mental health conditions can have problems at home, in school, and in forming friendships.

Mental health conditions can also interfere with a child's healthy development, causing problems that can continue into adulthood.

Diagnosis is often made in the school years but can sometimes be earlier, depending on the condition. However, some children with a mental health condition may not be recognized or diagnosed as having one.

Types of mental health conditions

Among the more common mental health conditions that can be diagnosed in childhood are anxiety disorders (fears or worries), depressive disorders, and behavior disorders. Health care and mental health professionals use the guidelines in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual to help diagnose mental health conditions in children.

Learn more about the different types of mental health conditions:

These conditions can occur alongside others, such as:

Children's mental health data

Symptom management: staying healthy

Good physical and mental health is important for all children and can be especially important for children living with mental health conditions. In addition to receiving necessary treatment, practicing healthy lifestyle behaviors may reduce the symptoms your child might experience. Here are some healthy behaviors that may help:

Engaging in regular physical activity, including aerobic and vigorous exercise

Eating a healthful diet centered on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes (for example, beans, peas, and lentils), lean protein sources, and nuts and seeds

Getting the recommended amount of sleep each night based on age

Strengthening relationships with family members, friends, and the community

Treatment and recovery

Childhood mental health conditions can be treated and managed. Many treatment options are based on the best and most current medical evidence.

Parents and doctors should work closely with everyone involved in the child's treatment-teachers, coaches, therapists, and other family members. Taking advantage of all available resources will help parents, health professionals, and educators guide the child toward success.

Spotlight

What CDC is doing

Public health includes mental health

CDC works with partner agencies to better understand mental health and mental health conditions and their impact on children. CDC and its partners provide information and resources on supporting parents as well as children throughout healthy development to ensure they can thrive and grow. Supporting children's mental health also includes improving access to care and ensuring children have safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments.

What you can do

Parents: You know your child best. Talk to your child's health care professional or a teacher if you have concerns about how your child behaves at home, in school, or with friends.

Youth: Mental health is just as important as physical health. If you are angry, worried, or sad, don't be afraid to talk about your feelings and reach out to a trusted friend or adult.

Health care professionals: Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment based on updated guidelines are very important. There are resources available to help diagnose and treat children's mental health conditions. Keep up to date with screening recommendations for anxiety and depression.

Teachers/school administrators: Early identification is important so that children can get the help they need. Work with families and healthcare professionals if you have concerns about the mental health of a child in your school. See CDC's mental health action guide for school and district leaders to learn more about supporting mental health in schools.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Childhood and adolescence are critical stages of life for mental health.

# data[].attributes.headline
Promoting Health and Preventing Problems in School-Aged Children

# data[].attributes.subject
Promoting Health and Preventing Problems in School-Aged Children

# data[].attributes.body
To support the health of school-aged children, a whole-child approach is best. Prevention and health promotion should include both physical and mental wellness strategies.

Vaccination: Ensure children are up to date with all CDC-recommended immunizations.

Injury Prevention: Teach playground, bike, and sports safety; model good behavior.

Illness Prevention: Encourage daily handwashing, proper hygiene, and staying home when sick.

Mental Wellness: Promote routines, provide emotional support, and reduce screen time.

Nutrition & Exercise: A balanced diet and at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day (CDC) promote better focus and emotional health.

Reference:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Healthy Schools. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved June 13, 2025, from https://archive.cdc.gov/www_cdc_gov/healthyschools/index.htm

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Archived web material for CDC.gov is preserved on the CDC Archive Site