While you’re getting your child’s annual wellness visit and required vaccinations taken care of before the school year, the American Cancer Society urges families to check one more box off the list.

Kim Durst from the American Cancer Society says parents should look toward their children’s future in preventing them from transmitting Human Papillomavirus, or HPV. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease and can cause further health problems including cervical cancer. Children can get vaccinated to lower the chance of contracting the disease, as Durst recommends that boys and girls 11 to 12 years old get two doses of the HPV vaccine to protect against cancer, “This HPV vaccine can help reduce the risk of six different types of cancer, but it works best if it is given before exposure to HPV. So as we always say, visit with your child’s doctor, this is just another way to protect them against this virus.”

Durst says other ways to mark health off your back-to-school checklist include making sure your kids get enough sleep, packing their lunch with colorful fruits and vegetables and avoiding juice and sports drinks, and talking with your children about making healthy choices.