The importance of vaccinations before the summer camp season

Camps bring together children from diverse regions, increasing the risk of communicable diseases, making early vaccination a critical part of preventive care.

Pediatricians and primary care providers are well-positioned to support this effort by identifying immunization needs early, streamlining vaccine schedules and ensuring compliance with camp requirements. Proactive planning helps build immunity before camp begins and also reduces operational stress on providers and families.

By enhancing care coordination and maintaining up-to-date immunization records, providers can help ensure a safer, healthier summer for campers, staff and the broader community.

Why recommended vaccines matter before summer camp

Summer camps bring children together in shared living, recreational and dining spaces — creating high-contact environments with elevated risks for the transmission of infectious diseases. When campers arrive from different geographic regions with varying levels of immunity, the potential for outbreaks increases significantly.

Vaccine-preventable illnesses such as measles, mumps, chickenpox and whooping cough can spread rapidly in group settings. Recent surges in COVID-19 and seasonal influenza further underscore the importance of proactive immunization strategies to safeguard individual health, reduce emergency visits and help prevent disruptions such as camp closures.

In general, these are the commonly recommend the following vaccines prior to camp attendance:

• Rabies (for animal- or wilderness-based camps, as advised)
• MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
• Varicella (chickenpox)
• DTaP/Tdap (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis)
• COVID-19 and influenza (based on age and risk factors)
• Meningococcal and Hepatitis A (especially for overnight or high-risk camps)

In addition to protecting individual campers, widespread vaccination supports broader public health by reducing the risk of outbreaks and contributing to group immunity. Providers can consult trusted resources such as the CDC’s Recommended Vaccines by Age to assess vaccination needs early.¹

Many camps also require up-to-date immunization records. This provides a timely opportunity to engage families and help ensure necessary vaccinations are documented before camp begins.

When to schedule pre-camp vaccinations

Timing is important when preparing campers for a safe and healthy experience.²  For optimal protection, most immunizations should be administered at least four to six weeks before the start of camp. This allows the immune system adequate time to respond and helps to ensure multi-dose series are initiated or completed.

Tips for scheduling vaccinations efficiently:

• Leverage routine annual physicals to assess vaccine status
• Align immunizations with school or sports physicals to streamline care
• Encourage early appointments to accommodate multi-dose vaccines such as Hepatitis A or COVID-19 boosters
• Account for jurisdictional requirements if the camp is out of state or has unique health protocols
• Remind families to update and submit immunization records per camp policy

Early planning also gives families time to address any vaccine-related concerns and manage mild side effects, such as localized soreness or low-grade fever. Providers can help by reinforcing that these reactions are normal and temporary.

For additional guidance, the American Camp Association’s immunization recommendations can support both clinicians and caregivers as they prepare for the upcoming season.³

Common camp vaccination policies

Many summer camps often have specific health and safety requirements, including proof of up-to-date immunizations. While policies vary by region and camp type, most facilities follow public health guidelines to help prevent the spread of illness in group settings. Here’s what providers and families can generally expect:

• Core vaccines like MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), Varicella (chickenpox) and DTaP/Tdap are required by most day and overnight camps
• COVID-19 and influenza vaccines may be required depending on the camp’s location, camper age group and recent public health trends
• Meningococcal vaccination is often recommended or required for overnight camps and camps serving adolescents
• Hepatitis A and other region-specific vaccines may be necessary for high-risk or wilderness-based camps
• Proof of immunization is typically due 2–4 weeks before camp begins, with documentation submitted via a health form or portal

By proactively reviewing vaccination records and helping families understand these requirements, providers can help ensure a smooth registration process and a safer camp experience.

How to address vaccinations with parents before summer camp

As families prepare for the summer camp season, clear and compassionate communication about vaccinations is key. Healthcare providers play a key role in helping caregivers make informed, confident decisions about immunization, especially when camp health requirements or vaccine hesitancy come into play.

Starting the conversation early — during spring wellness visits, school physicals or other seasonal check-ins — can create space for thoughtful planning. These interactions are also an opportunity to review immunization records, flag upcoming doses and clarify questions families may have.

Here are a few recommended practices to keep in mind:

• Bring up vaccination status during early spring or pre-camp visits
• Share credible, easy-to-understand resources from the CDC or the American Academy of Pediatrics
• Review and update each child’s vaccine history to confirm documentation is current
• Offer flexible appointment times to accommodate busy family schedules
• Listen to concerns with empathy and explain the science behind vaccine safety and effectiveness

When parents have questions or express hesitation, it’s important to meet them with facts and understanding. Common concerns might include vaccine ingredients, safety testing or the timing of multiple shots. Providers can make a big difference by offering clear explanations, addressing misconceptions and being open to discussion.

For additional tools and guidance, explore resources like McKesson Medical-Surgical’s myths and facts about vaccine hesitancy, which may support families in making confident, informed choices.

Pre-camp vaccination checklist for providers

Make the lead-up to camp season easier for your team and your patients with this quick-reference checklist:

• Review each child’s immunization record by early spring
• Confirm any specific requirements based on the child’s camp type and location
• Schedule necessary vaccinations 4–6 weeks before camp starts
• Allow time for multi-dose series (e.g., Hepatitis A, COVID-19 boosters)
• Address questions or concerns around vaccine safety or side effects
• Provide updated immunization records to families for camp submission
• Offer reminders via phone, email or patient portals to stay on schedule
• Share educational materials to support family decision-making

This checklist can also be adapted into handouts or digital communications to keep care teams organized and support strong patient-provider communication.

How McKesson Medical-Surgical supports vaccination efforts

While clinical decisions and vaccine recommendations come from licensed professionals and public health authorities, McKesson Medical-Surgical plays a critical role in helping providers prepare for seasonal demands, like the busy lead-up to summer camp.

By delivering reliable products and services, McKesson Medical-Surgical helps providers, clinics and health systems stay efficient, organized and confident in their care delivery.

Here’s how McKesson Medical-Surgical helps providers stay prepared for the summer season:

• Reliable vaccine supply and cold chain solutions that support uninterrupted patient care
• Educational materials and ordering tools that simplify workflows for busy practices
• Access to product support and resources that empower clinical teams and staff
• Inventory management systems that keep providers well-stocked and ready to respond

When providers have the infrastructure and logistical support in place, providers can focus more on what matters — patient care, communication and proactive health planning.

McKesson Medical-Surgical’s solutions are designed to reduce day-to-day challenges around vaccine storage, handling and distribution. That means more time for providers to connect with families and help them prepare for a safe, healthy summer.

To learn more, visit Vaccine Support from McKesson Medical-Surgical.