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• No. 2 pencils? Check.
• Ergonomically correct backpack? Check.
• College-ruled notebook paper? Check.
• A second chickenpox shot? Check...your child's immunization records, that is.

While the back-to-school supply list hasn't changed much over the years, immunization recommendations have. Find out what's changed this year and get your student up to date before school starts.

Changes to the recommended immunization schedule from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (APA) include:

• Varicella (chickenpox). The CDC and APA now recommend each child get a second dose of the chickenpox vaccine between 4 and 6 years of age, for a total of two doses. Before, just one dose of the vaccine was recommended around age 1. Because a few kids vaccinated at age 1 still got chickenpox later on, a second dose is now recommended. Two doses of the vaccine are recommended for all older children, teens and adults who have never had chickenpox.
• Meningococcal vaccine (MCV4). To protect against meningitis, a serious infection of the brain and spinal cord tissues, kids aged 11 to 12 should get a meningococcal vaccine (MCV4). Teens entering high school and college freshmen living in dorms should also be vaccinated if they haven't been already.
• Flu shot yearly for all kids 6 months through 19 years of age. All kids in this age range should have a yearly flu shot to protect against the influenza (flu) virus. Two doses of flu shot are needed if the child has never had a flu shot before.
• Human papilloma virus (HPV): three doses, for girls 11 to 12 years or older. This vaccine isn't required for school attendance, but if your daughter is having a back-to-school physical, HPV vaccination (Gardasil) will be offered. The HPV vaccine prevents human papilloma virus - the virus that causes cervical cancer and genital warts.

Finally, check with your doctor to see if your child's immunization schedule is up to date. Ask whether your child has had two doses of the measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine or is due for a tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap) booster.

Don't forget the adults
While you're getting the kids ready for school, take care of yourself, too. Ask your doctor what immunizations you need, including the flu shot or booster shot for tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough.