Back-to-School Immune Support Checklist (What to Stock Now Before Germs Hit)
- Stef Jennings
- Jul 30
- 3 min read
As summer winds down and new routines take shape—whether that means school buses and backpacks or lesson plans at the kitchen table—there’s one thing most families forget to prepare for: the seasonal surge in sniffles and viruses.
It doesn’t matter if your kids are in public school, private school, or homeschool—once fall hits, germs make their rounds. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to wait and react. With a little preparation now, you can help your family stay healthier and recover faster when illness strikes.
I believe in being prepared before your child brings something home—not scrambling in the middle of the night trying to figure out what’s safe, what works, or what’s actually in stock. This is your personal immune support cabinet checklist — tried, true, and stocked in my own home.
These are the foundational products I recommend to Jennings Health families for daily support, early illness response, and active symptoms. You’ll find clean ingredients, gentle formulations, and targeted support you can feel good about giving your children. I’ve also included affiliate links and discount codes where available—because staying well shouldn’t be stressful.
Daily Nutrient Support
Start the year off strong with key vitamins and minerals that support your child’s baseline wellness and immune readiness.
Dr. Green Mom Nature’s Nutrients Kids
A clean, food-based multivitamin for everyday foundational support for all ages!
Seeking Health Kids Multivitamin Chewable (use code STEFNP10)
Great taste, methylated B vitamins, and formulated with sensitive kids in mind.
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Immune Support (Use When Exposure is High)
These are the tools I lean on when colds are circulating—think: the first weeks of school, after travel, or when you know someone close to you is sick.
Dr. Green Mom Elderberry Elixir
Elderberry is a time-tested herb for immune modulation and antiviral support—and this blend is organic and delicious.
Dr. Green Mom Immunity Boost Kids A gentle but powerful combination of herbs and mushrooms, formulated for infants and kids.
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Early Illness Support (When You Feel It Coming)
Catching illness early makes a huge difference in severity and duration. These are the products I keep front and center in our “sick bin.”
Seeking Health Immune Intensive (use code STEFNP10)
A therapeutic dose of key vitamins and herbs to hit hard at the first sign of symptoms. Can be pulsed short-term for the whole family.
Dr. Green Mom Nature Profen Kids
A great alternative for managing inflammation, fevers, and body aches—without conventional meds, when appropriate.
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When Respiratory Symptoms Hit
When the runny nose, congestion, post-nasal drip, or cough kick in, these are the tools I reach for to ease symptoms and keep things from dragging on.
Dr. Green Mom Bronchial Calm Kids
Soothing support for respiratory symptoms. I especially like this during coughs, post-viral irritation, or tight chests.
Sometimes we need to support the airways directly—and this is where a nebulizer kit comes in handy. Every family should have one ready before the need arises.
A reliable at-home unit for easy delivery of saline or medicated mist.
Because you don’t want to go looking for these when your child is wheezing at 10 p.m.
Simple, effective, and safe—even for infants. Helps thin mucus and support airway hydration.
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Stef’s Pro Tips
Don’t wait until they’re sick to order—most families find these items are hard to get quickly when they’re really needed. Shipping delays and stock issues can make a tough week even tougher.
Create a “Sick Bin”: Toss everything into a labeled container and keep it accessible but out of reach from little hands.
Ready to Stock Your Cabinet?
This isn’t about fear—it’s about being ready. We can’t prevent every sniffle, but we can minimize the severity, avoid last-minute pharmacy runs, and shorten recovery time!
Disclaimer
This post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace personalized medical care. When in doubt, reach out to your provider for guidance tailored to your specific situation.
Supporting you every step of the way, Stef, NP
Stefanie Jennings, FNP-C, IFMCP
Jennings Health – Integrative Primary Care for Children and Their Families
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