OHIO — School days are right around the corner, and the Ohio Department of Health is reminding parents that there are other needs for their students beyond notebooks and #2 pencils.

ODH urges parents to check on required immunizations with their health care provider in order to ensure their child is up to date. 

What You Need To Know

  • ODH urges parents to check on required immunizations with their health care provider

  • For parents whose children have asthma, ODH recommends discussing an "Asthma Action Plan," a written plan created alongside a doctor to help avoid triggers and take medicine

  • Hearing and vision screenings are administered by schools to children in preschool, kindergarten, first, third, fifth, seventh (vision only), ninth and eleventh grades as required by Ohio law

  • ODH also recommends getting your child involved in packing their lunches such as creating menus, celebrating special days and trying new foods

Check the chart below to see doses and requirements by grade levels.

For parents whose children have asthma, ODH recommends discussing an "Asthma Action Plan," a written plan created alongside a doctor to help avoid triggers and take medicine to control the symptoms.

ODH said it is important for schools to also have a copy of the plan so teachers and staff know how to help a child with asthma.

For more information on managing asthma, click here.

Hearing and vision screenings are administered by schools to children in preschool, kindergarten, first, third, fifth, seventh (vision only), ninth and eleventh grades as required by Ohio law. ODH said if children show problems with their hearing or vision, school nurses will send additional information home to parents.

ODH also recommends getting your child involved in packing their lunches such as creating menus, celebrating special days and trying new foods. For more recommendations, click here, To promote food safety, and prevent foodborne illness, use insulated lunch bags with ice packs to keep it cold.

The department also recommends creating a safe route for students who walk or bike to school. ODH said in a news release its important to use sidewalks, minimize street crossings, walk on the side facing traffic and if biking, ensure a helmet is worn.

For students facing emotional challenges when heading back to school, ODH said its good to remind them that it's okay to seek help, and to be ready when they do. Warning signs the department lists include being withdrawn, tantrums or loss of interest in activities.

ODH said a confidential counselor can be reached by texting or calling 988.

Parents who discover their child is vaping can reach out the the Ohio Tobacco Quitline, 1-800-QUIT NOW, which is sponsored by the ODH and offeres its "My Life My Quit" program for young people specifically.