(BPT) - The transition from summer days to the back-to-school season is notoriously hectic. Between new routines, extracurriculars and supply shopping, schedules are packed. But there's one thing that shouldn't get lost in the shuffle: a back-to-school health checklist.

From updating health forms to stocking up on medicine cabinet essentials, early preparation is key to keeping the household running smoothly. Samantha Picking, PharmD, senior director of immunizations at Walgreens, breaks down the health to-dos to knock out before the school year starts:

1. Get ahead of seasonal and routine vaccines

The start of a new school year is a good time to ensure the whole family is up to date on routine and seasonal vaccinations, such as those protecting against flu, COVID-19, tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough.

Pro tip: "Keep in mind that many vaccines take about two weeks to provide protection," Picking said. "That's why it's worth scheduling appointments before kids and teens are back in close contact with classmates and respiratory virus season ramps up."

At Walgreens, patients can schedule vaccination appointments for up to four people in a single visit and book well in advance, giving families more flexibility to plan ahead and save time. myWalgreens^® members can also earn $15 in Walgreens Cash rewards when they spend $5+ on their next eligible in-store purchase, plus 10% back in Walgreens Cash on eligible in-store purchases for 30 days when they get vaccinated.*

2. Coordinate school medications and medical forms

For students with conditions like asthma or severe allergies, early coordination with school staff is essential. Make sure to check the expiration dates on emergency inhalers or epinephrine auto-injectors and verify that the school has updated health forms on file.

Pro tip: "Don't wait until the first day of school to get those required medical forms filled out," Picking said. "Local pharmacy teams can also help refill essential emergency medications, so families are prepared before the first bell rings."

3. Restock the medicine cabinet

Having sick-day supplies on hand is a key part of back-to-school readiness. Take stock of overall household health and wellness needs, including items like daily vitamins, cough drops, antacids, cough medicine, combination flu & COVID-19 tests and other essentials like a first aid kit.

Pro tip: "As a mom of three, I always do a quick check of the medicine cabinet and replace anything that's expired or running low before the school year starts," Picking said. "It only takes a few minutes, but it means you're not caught off guard when someone actually gets sick."

For families short on time, Walgreens has options to grab what you need with 1-hour Delivery and 30-minute Pickup.**

4. Reset daily wellness habits

Transitioning from relaxed summer schedules to structured school routines can be physically taxing for kids and parents alike. Establish a consistent sleep schedule, prioritize nutritious meals and reinforce healthy habits, like proper handwashing and using hand sanitizer, to form a strong foundation for the year ahead.

Pro tip: "Getting enough sleep and practicing good hygiene are two of the simplest ways to start the school year on the right foot," Picking said. "It's easy to let healthy routines slip during the summer, so ease back into them a week or two before school starts."

Walgreens: A partner in health and back-to-school prep

Walgreens is a one-stop destination for vaccinations, over-the-counter essentials and last-minute school supplies. Vaccination appointments can be scheduled online, through the Walgreens app or by calling 1-800-WALGREENS. For any questions, expert pharmacists are ready to provide trusted guidance and personalized support.

*Must be a myWalgreens^® member. Offer available for a limited time and valid for 14 days from vaccination date. Must scan coupon at checkout to earn rewards/activate. Coupon offer not valid in AR, NJ or NY. Limit three coupons per person. See coupon for terms and restrictions. Vaccines subject to availability. Walgreens administers applicable vaccinations for children ages three and older. State-, age- and health-related restrictions may apply. Additional terms and exclusions apply. Complete details, including Walgreens Cash rewards expiration dates, at Walgreens.com/offerdetails.

$15 Offer

• Earn rewards on qualifying in-store purchases of $5+. Limit one storewide coupon redeemed per transaction, up to three redemptions per offer period. Maximum $45 Walgreens Cash rewards per member.

10% Offer

• Earn rewards on qualifying in-store purchases of $1+. Scan once to activate offer. Limit one offer per myWalgreens^® member. Maximum $100 Walgreens Cash rewards. Offer valid for 30 days following activation.

**Delivery in as little as 1 hour and Pickup in as little as 30 minutes based on national averages, actual times may vary. Pickup is available for eligible items when your order is $10 or more (after promo codes and paperless coupons are applied and before taxes). Exclusions, restrictions, and fees may apply. For details, visit Walgreens.com/same-day-delivery and Walgreens.com/Pickup.