Back to school means going back to the doctor. Why? Because school is now in-person and your child needs to prepare for the unexpected colds, flu, injuries and playing sports.

 

Whether they decide to play a fall sport or they need to renew immunizations, a back to school physical will cover all of that. Your child’s health is important and getting this more comprehensive physical will help them (and us) get a better picture of what they need in terms of treatment or preventing illness

 

AFC Urgent Care Dedham is here to help our kids get their back to school physicals so they can prepare for a new school year, in-person.

Back to school physicals build your child’s medical record

Why is building your child’s medical history so important?

 

A back to school physical at AFC Urgent Care Dedham will help determine if your child has any physical limitations like vision, weight issues, asthma or any other health condition. This is important because if they need medical attention or a prescription refill, they will have everything on file making it easier for them to get the treatment they need.

 

Getting your child a yearly physical will also help build up a report on their overall health. If they plan on playing a fall sport, they can have their physical fitness tested during their physical. In addition to this, a full physical will also cover vaccinations. Based on your child’s medical record, they may need updated vaccinations for the new school year.

 

What vaccinations will my child need for their back to school physical?

 

Your child may need to renew certain vaccinations prior to going back to school. As kids will be back in-person the risk for spreading germs and colds will go up. You definitely want them to be up to date to avoid getting sick or getting others sick.

 

Everyone has a vaccination/immunization schedule (ages 0-18). Kids and adolescents usually require these vaccines when going to elementary to high school:

 

• Influenza
• Meningitis
• hepatitis B
• Tetanus
• Diphtheria
• Pertussis

 

***Most college students or incoming freshmen will need to update similar vaccines like the list above

 

For more information on vaccine schedules for adults...aka college kids, click here (19 and up).

 

Are schools requiring the COVID-19 vaccine?

At this time, The CDC recommends ages 12 and up to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Although the United States is roughly around 49%  fully vaccinated, there are still plenty of people who are not vaccinated.

 

And just so you know…as of the end of July...

In Massachusetts, 63% of the population is fully vaccinated. So, although we are doing better than the national average,  there are still people who are at risk across the state.

 

Also at this time, many colleges and universities are taking action on mandating the COVID-19 vaccine for students staying in dorms and for faculty members, especially now that we’re seeing the quick uptick of the Delta variant, and most Massachusetts colleges are requiring it for the fall.

 

If you’re going abroad, take a look at this state by state list to know if your college is requiring a COVID-19 vaccine

 

AFC Urgent Care Dedham offers comprehensive back to school physicals

There’s no place better to get an annual check up than at AFC Urgent Care Dedham. We are affordable, convenient and we provide quality care to all of our friends and families in the Dedham community.

 

If you can’t get a physical with your primary care, then come see us right here, right now on 370 Boston Providence Hwy, Dedham, MA, 02026.

 

There is no appointment needed. We are open 7 days a week with extended hours on the weekdays from 8 am to 8 pm and weekend hours from 8 am to 5pm. We also accept most insurances.