Indianapolis has numerous activities to enjoy throughout July and August, many of which are free: art fairs, picnics, barbecues, outdoor concerts, bike rides, canal walks and so much more. Being outside — especially if you are getting exercise — is good for you and your children. While you are enjoying the fresh air and sunshine, take the time to consider other simple steps you can take to ensure your kids are healthy and ready for the school year. This includes scheduling health visits and any necessary vaccinations and getting supplies ready for their first day.
Vaccinations
You can help protect your children from dangerous diseases by keeping them up to date with immunizations. Find recommendations and requirements at this site: IN.gov/Health/Files/2025-26-School-Immunization-Requirements.pdf. If you are short on time, consider going to a pharmacy for vaccines instead of making a health care appointment. For a list of Eskenazi Health pharmacy locations, visit: Eskenazihealth.edu/Health-Services/Pharmacy. Keep in mind that younger children are often required to get their vaccines during a health care visit. Check requirements in advance. For example, you can always walk into an Eskenazi Health pharmacy for children’s vaccines if they are 11 years old or older.
You have other options as well. The Indianapolis Public Library provides walk-in flu and COVID vaccines at their College Avenue and Garfield Park branches for kids who are 12 years old and older. Find out more here: IndyPL.org/Services/Public-Health-Partnerships. Through the Indiana Immunization Coalition, you can find vaccines offered at school clinics that are open to the public, such as one at Pike High School on July 11. Visit this site for more information: VaccinateIndiana.org/Events/Map.
Worried about the costs of vaccines? The Vaccines for Children Program (VFC) provides free shots to kids whose parents or guardians don’t have the means to pay for them. Find out more at CDC.gov/Vaccines-For-Children/VFC-Information-For-Parents/Index.html. Children who get vaccines through this program cannot get them at pharmacies. Instead, they’ll need to go to a VFC-approved provider, such as a health care center. There is another alternative as well: thanks to a recent grant, Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) just became a VFC provider.
Health Check-Ups
A regular health visit helps keep your children healthy. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, benefits of regular check-ups with a medical provider include an opportunity to do the following:
• Discuss nutrition and safety
• Get any needed vaccines (especially if children are too young to get them at pharmacies)
• Track your child’s physical, social and intellectual development with a medical provider
• Develop a strong relationship with a provider invested in your child’s progress
These visits are also, of course, helpful in catching health issues in early stages. If you don’t have a pediatrician for your child currently, you can contact Eskenazi Health Connections to find one by calling 317-880-7666.
Supplies
You know that there are many items your kids need to prepare for the school year. What you might not know is that a Back to School Community Resource Day is taking place at the Marion County Public Health Department (MCPHD), during which many such items will be provided for free.
The event will be held July 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the MCPHD parking lot at 3838 N. Rural St. Visitors will be offered free school supplies (including backpacks), car seats and haircuts in addition to health screenings. Information on the event in both English and Spanish can be found at this site: HHCORP.org/Covering-Kids-And-Families.
Additional back-to-school events are offered during the summer, so keep an eye on Indianapolis event calendars for other opportunities if this resource day doesn’t fit into your schedule.
The school year might still seem far away, but it always arrives quicker than you think. Be sure to do what you can before then to ensure your children have a healthy fall.
Ananda Kannappan, M.D., primary care physician and Lifestyle Medicine practitioner with Eskenazi Health Center Grande