Back-To-School Checkups are the Cornerstone of a Healthy School Year

8/23/2021

GADSDEN, Alabama, August 24, 2021 – With homeschooling and hybrid learning disrupting classroom learning for the past 18 months, it is easy to forget what preparing for a “normal” school year might look like. In addition to buying new clothes and stocking your child’s backpack with the right supplies, an annual physical and the proper immunizations will start your child’s new school year on a healthy foundation.

“Regular visits allow us to get to know your child and monitor their development from year to year,” says Bradley Green, M.D., family medicine. “This relationship with you and your child allows us to identify potential concerns, as well as to help guide you through the expectations of each stage of their development.”

Children should receive an annual checkup with their physician even if they are healthy. At a checkup, your child will receive a full physical exam including measurements such as height and weight. This is a good time for parents to discuss any developmental, emotional or social concerns with the physician. Most insurance plans, including Medicaid, cover a free annual well-child visit.

“Yearly well child check-ups are very important to monitor the growth and development of children, states Claire Yother, M.D., pediatrics. “The earlier a problem is detected, the easier it is to treat.”

Immunizations are another important way to protect your child’s health. While COVID vaccinations are not yet available for children under the age of 12, there are numerous other vaccines parents should discuss with their child’s physician, especially for children beginning school for the first time.

“On-time immunizations are also necessary to prevent diseases in children like whooping cough or chicken pox,” says Dr. Yother. “Call your child’s doctor to make sure they are up to date on their preventative care visits and vaccines.”

Receiving the right shots at the right time will help protect your child from contracting various diseases and help prevent the spread to others. Talk with your physician to learn on what vaccinations your child should receive and at what age.

“While it's often required for children to be vaccinated prior to starting daycare or school, these vaccines are also essential to protect them long-term against many dangerous diseases,” states Dr. Green.

If your child or teenager is involved in sports or other physical activities, their coaches may require a sports physical before they begin to play. A sports exam is similar to an annual physical exam, with addition of the physician’s review of sports-related matters such as nutrition and injuries. A primary care physician such as a family practice or pediatrician will be able to conduct a sports physical for your child.

If you need help finding a primary care physician, call 1-877-MyNewPCP or visit GadsdenPhysicianClinics.com to be connected with one of Gadsden Physician Clinics’ qualified primary care physicians. Several of our providers have same-day appointments, and Telehealth visits are also available.

Immunization Guidelines
School requirements for immunizations may differ by school district, so check with your local school district about needed vaccines for school admission.

Guidelines for well-child visits and routine immunization schedules can be found on the American Academy of Pediatrics website (www.aap.org). Back