Summer is winding down and very soon classrooms will once again be filled with children. Doctors say now is the time to start thinking about your students' health in protecting them against illnesses.

"Vaccination doesn't only help the child who's vaccinated, when done in sufficient numbers, confers herd immunity and reduces the spread of infection," said Dr. Patrick Fox, president of Wellpoint New Jersey, which helps families get the care they need.

He says parents should be making appointments now to ensure their child will have immunity that will provide protection.

But it's important to note vaccines will vary depending on your child's age.

So, what are the vaccines are required for all students for the start of school?

"Polio, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis or whipping cough, varicella, which is chickenpox, meningococcus which is a disease that can cause an infection in the brain, as well as influenza," said Dr. Fox.

Students should also get the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, as well as the coronavirus vaccine.

Getting your child back into a routine of good hygiene can also help protect your child from germs.

“Handwash regularly, to avoid touching their mouth and then touching other objects, to cover their mouth with their elbow if they have to sneeze or cough,” said Fox.

Fox says a visit to the pediatrician's office will also ensure your child has a well-child visit, and a physical and developmental examination to make sure your child is progressing.

Click here for a list of back-to-school vaccine requirements.