How do I order my prescription online from Kingfisher Pharmacy in Wakefield?

Use our online prescription request form. Enter your details and select your Wakefield GP surgery. We collect your prescription from the surgery and contact you when ready for collection or local delivery.

How do I nominate Kingfisher Pharmacy as my pharmacy in Wakefield?

Telephone 01924 291898 or visit 192 Kirkgate, Wakefield WF1 1UE. Once nominated, we collect your prescriptions from your GP and have them ready and waiting.

What travel vaccinations are available in Wakefield?

Kingfisher Pharmacy Wakefield offers Hepatitis A (£55), Hepatitis B (£45/dose), Typhoid (£35), Meningitis ACWY (£55), Rabies (£65/dose), Japanese Encephalitis (£85/dose), and seasonal flu jabs.

Back to School Health Checklist for Wakefield Parents

Name: Kingfisher Pharmacy
Address: 192 Kirkgate, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF1 1UE, GB
Telephone: 01924 291898

The start of a new school year brings excitement—and a fair bit of stress for parents. Between sorting uniforms, shoes, and stationery, there's a whole other checklist that matters just as much: your child's health. A few minutes spent on health preparation before September can prevent illness, missed school days, and last-minute panics when term is in full swing. This post expands on what we cover in our school readiness health check, with a focus on what Wakefield families should tackle before the bell rings.

Here's the health checklist every parent should work through before your child goes back to school.

Vaccinations: Check They're Current

The NHS childhood immunisation schedule covers several vaccines given at different ages. If your child has been to school before, their record should be up to date—but sometimes appointments get missed, or you've simply lost track during the summer holidays.

Check your child's vaccination status using:

The NHS App (if you have access to your child's record)
Your GP surgery
Your child's red book (Personal Child Health Record)

Missing a vaccine doesn't mean starting over. If something's been skipped, speak to your GP surgery or contact us at the pharmacy—we can advise on catching up. It's never too late to get back on track, and ensuring your child is protected before they're mixing with hundreds of other kids makes real sense.

For details on what's recommended at which age, the NHS childhood immunisation schedule has everything you need to know.

Head Lice: The Conversation Nobody Wants, But School Requires

Head lice happen. They're not a sign of poor hygiene—they're simply what happens when children spend time in close contact. Primary schoolchildren are especially prone, and many parents find their first case within the first two weeks of term.

Before school starts, check your child's hair with a fine-toothed detection comb. Run it slowly through each section, checking the comb for tiny moving insects or small, oval egg cases stuck to the hair shaft.

If you find head lice, don't panic. Your pharmacist can advise on treatments. There are several products available—some you apply at home, others work differently. We can help you choose based on your child's age and hair type, and advise you on how to use it properly. Schools will often send home notices if head lice are going around, so expect you're not alone. Do another check a few days after treatment to make sure it's worked, and keep an eye out throughout the term.

For more information, see the NHS guide to head lice and nits.

Health Checks: Eyes, Teeth, and General Wellbeing

Eye tests

Children's eyesight can change quickly, and vision problems don't always announce themselves. A child might not realise they can't see the board at school—they just think everyone's struggling. The NHS recommends regular eye tests for children, and they're free.

Look for signs like squinting, holding books very close, tilting their head to see, complaining of headaches, or sitting unusually close to the TV. If your child hasn't had an eye test in the last year, book one before term starts. Many opticians in Wakefield offer appointments specifically for children.

Dental check-ups

Dentists recommend children have a check-up at least once a year—ideally every six months. If your child missed one during the summer, arrange one now or in the first few weeks of term. NHS dental care for children is free, and your dentist will spot problems early before they become bigger issues.

Regular Medications and Medical Care

If your child takes regular medication—for asthma, allergies, eczema, or another condition—the start of term is a good time to check:

You have enough medication to last the first few weeks of term
Any school-held medication (inhalers, EpiPens) is in date and the school has current instructions
Your child's medication is still the right dose and type

Schools typically ask parents to complete a medical form or care plan at the start of each year. Having your child's medication details ready makes this much easier, and it ensures the school knows how to support your child if needed.

If your child has hay fever, the start of autumn is also a good time to think ahead about next spring's symptoms. Your pharmacist can discuss preventative options and over-the-counter treatments that have worked well for other families.

Mental Health: Starting School Can Be Anxious, and That's Normal

Going back to school is exciting for some children and genuinely anxiety-inducing for others—especially if they're starting at a new school, moving up to secondary, or have had a difficult year. It's worth checking in with your child about how they're feeling.

Signs that a child may be struggling include:

Changes in appetite or sleep
Reluctance to go to school
Increased irritability, tearfulness, or withdrawal from activities they normally enjoy
Complaints of stomach aches or headaches with no obvious physical cause

These physical symptoms are real, even if there's no fever or obvious illness. If you're concerned about your child's mental health, speak to their school, your GP, or organisations like YoungMinds or the NSPCC. They're there to help, and spotting worries early makes a real difference.

Daily Routines: Sleep, Nutrition, and Hygiene

After weeks of relaxed summer schedules, getting back into a term-time routine takes a few days—and some children find it harder than others.

Sleep: Start adjusting bedtimes gradually about a week before school begins. Aim for:

Primary school children: 9–12 hours per night
Secondary school children: 8–10 hours per night

A consistent bedtime routine—winding down screens, reading, keeping the bedroom dark and cool—helps enormously.

Nutrition: Packed lunches and school dinners both have a role. If you're packing lunches, aim for a mix of complex carbohydrates (wholemeal bread, pasta, rice), protein (chicken, cheese, eggs, beans), fruit, vegetables, and water rather than sugary drinks. Many Wakefield schools offer free school meals—check whether your child is eligible if you haven't already.

Handwashing and illness prevention: This sounds basic, but good handwashing before eating, after using the toilet, after coughing or sneezing, and when they get home from school helps reduce the spread of colds, flu, and stomach bugs. These circulate freely in schools, especially in the first few weeks of term. While you can't prevent every illness, handwashing is one of the most effective habits to teach. For more on protecting your family during cold and flu season, see our guide to staying healthy during winter in Wakefield.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I check my child's vaccinations?

Ideally, before the summer holidays end. If you're not sure what your child has had, contact your GP surgery or check the NHS App. If something's missing, there's time to arrange it—vaccination appointments often have availability in August or early September.

My child had head lice last term. Will they get them again?

It's possible but not certain. Head lice don't mean your child will automatically catch them again—it depends on whether they're exposed to another child who has them. Keep checking periodically and treat promptly if you find them.

What should I do if my child has an asthma attack at school?

Make sure the school has an up-to-date asthma action plan and your child's reliever inhaler. Speak to your GP or pharmacist if you're unsure about the plan. The school will have a process for managing this, and most children with asthma manage it well at school with proper support.

Do I need to send medication to school with my child?

Yes, if your child needs it during the school day. Common examples are asthma inhalers, allergy medication, or EpiPens. Complete the school's medical form carefully, and provide the medication in its original container with clear instructions. Speak to the school about their storage and administration process.

How often should my child see a dentist?

Ideally, every six months. At minimum, once a year. NHS dental care for children is free. If your child is anxious about the dentist, ask if they have a dentist who works well with nervous children—many in Wakefield specialise in this.

My child is very anxious about going back to school. Who should I talk to?

Your GP, the school's pastoral team, or organisations like YoungMinds are all good starting points. These feelings are common, and there's support available.

Can the pharmacy help with back-to-school health questions?

Yes. We stock over-the-counter treatments for colds, coughs, and minor ailments; we can advise on head lice treatment; we can check vaccination status; and we can answer general health questions about children. Most things don't need an appointment—just pop in and ask.

At Kingfisher Pharmacy on Kirkgate in Wakefield, we're here to help families prepare for the school year. Whether you need to check your child's medication, get advice on a health concern, or simply want to know you've covered the essentials before term begins, our team is ready to help. Pop in before September starts—a little preparation now prevents a lot of stress later.