Summer is not only a time for our children to relax and have fun, but also a prime time to schedule a school physical. An annual school physical allows you as a parent to keep track of your child's growth and development and make sure that he or she is updated on their immunizations.
It is important to contact you child's school to determine whether or not your child needs a school physical annually after completion of kindergarten. Most schools require a school physical before your child begins preschool and kindergarten. Make sure to contact your child's school to see if a certain form needs to be completed during your child's school physical. Some schools have a required form whereas some schools will accept a simple statement saying that your son or daughter is healthy.
What to Expect at a School Physical
At your child's school physical, your physician and nursing staff will check your child's height, weight, and many more things. Listed below are other things that may happen at your child's school physical:
- Lab work (i.e. urine, blood, etc.)
- Check ears, nose, throat, chest (for breathing)
- Ask you questions about development (i.e. speech, fine motor, gross motor, etc.)
- Ask if your child is currently taking any medication (prescribed and over-the-counter)
- Ask you if you have any concerns about your child's development, etc.
- Provide immunizations as needed/required in your state
Make sure that when your child's school physical is done to request two copies of your child's immunization form (many physicians' offices are switching from handwritten to electronic forms) and the completed school physical form from your child's school (or signed and dated statement from your child's physician saying that your son or daughter is healthy).
Immunizations
As your child begins the journey of going to school, immunizations will need to be given to him or her. All states require that school-aged children receive certain immunizations during their school career. The required immunizations may vary from state to state. Listed below are recommended immunizations for each school-age group:
Preschool & Kindergarten Students (Ages 4 to 6 years old)
- DTaP - Diptheria, Tetanus, & Pertussis
- IPV - Inactivated Poliovirus
- MMR - Measles/Mumps/Rubella
- Varicella - Chicken pox
Note: The list above was from a chart provided by the Department of Health and Human Services - Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Elementary/Middle School Students (Ages 11-12)
- DTaP - Diptheria, Tetanus, & Pertussis
- MCV4 - Bacterial Meningitis
An annual school physical not only completes a requirement for school, but also allows us to monitor our children's health and keep them healthy.
