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Dear School District of Philadelphia Families,
The Office of Student Health welcomes you to 2026. As winter settles in, our commitment to the health and well-being of our students and families remains unwavering. In this update, you’ll find important reminders, timely updates, and helpful resources to support a healthy and successful start to the year. Please share this information with anyone who may benefit.
School-Required Immunizations
The School District of Philadelphia’s immunization requirements for school entry and specific grade levels remain in effect. Per the Pennsylvania Department of Health, there is no change to school-required immunizations. Students still need to be up to date on their immunizations or have an exemption, for the health of our school communities, and to protect children and adults from the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases. You can find SDP’s immunization requirements HERE.
Talk to your child’s doctor or school nurse about their immunizations. You can also get trusted information about childhood immunizations from The American Academy of Pediatrics, CHOP’s Vaccine Education Center and the PA Department of Health.
The School District is holding a virtual town hall on childhood immunizations on February 12, 2026, from 6-7 pm. You can register for the town hall HERE.
Free Support for Families Applying for SNAP, Utilities Assistance, Health Insurance & Other Benefits
Benephilly is a free program that helps families apply for SNAP, medical and prescription assistance, property tax assistance, heating and utilities assistance, and other benefits. While there is uncertainty at the federal level, it is important to know that SNAP benefits are still available right now. Families should not hesitate to apply for support if needed.
PreK-12 families can visit the Welcome Center at 440 N. Broad Street any Wednesday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm to get free one-on-one Benephilly program support while applying for benefits. Schedule an appointment here. Walk-ins are also welcome. Translation support is available. Don’t miss out on benefits that can support your family and your student’s learning!
You can also call the Benephilly Helpline for free, confidential support: 800-994-5537 or learn more online at phila.gov/benephilly.
Free to Low-Cost Dental Care for Students
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month! Brushing and flossing twice a day is key to keeping our teeth healthy and smiling bright. The District offers free to low-cost dental care for students at the W.D. Kelley Dental Clinic. Any student, PreK-12, can be seen. You can find appointment details here. Our health services are expanding, inspired by a successful school model now being adopted District-wide. See how the W.D. Kelley Dental Clinic is leading the way in this video.
Keep Warm During Winter Outdoor Activities
- Layer up: Make sure to wear several layers of clothing, gloves/mittens, and a hat, especially when outside for recess, walking to, and from school and waiting for the bus.
- Watch your step: Wear winter footwear. Take small, slow steps on icy surfaces to prevent falls.
- Stay hydrated: You can still get dehydrated in the winter, especially when playing outside in layers. Be sure to stay hydrated and drink water before you become thirsty.
- Don’t forget sunscreen: Snow can reflect sunlight and give you sunburn. Wear sunscreen SPF 15 or higher on exposed skin.
From Sniffles to Smiles: How to Outsmart Germs
This time of year, colds, flu, and other viruses are common. Please keep your child home if they are too sick to take part in school activities.
- Keep your child home if they have an excessive runny nose, cough, trouble breathing, fever, or seem unwell.
- For stomach bugs, children should stay home if they have a fever, have vomited in the past 24 hours, or have uncontrolled diarrhea.
- Children may return when they feel better and are fever-free for 24 hours without medicine.
- Help stop the spread: stay home when sick, wash hands, and cover coughs and sneezes.
- Get more school health attendance guidance online. Ask your child’s doctor about the latest flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
In health,
Dr. Kendra B. McDow MD, MPH, FAAP
School District Medical Officer
Office of Student Support Services