August is notorious for “Back-to-school” everything! Think you got everything on the list for your kid? Don’t forget to add “get them a physical”, right at the top of your checklist!
Going back to school in-person means going back to the doctor. This is not like last year where kids didn’t have to worry about rolling out of bed for school. In-person classes mean more germs and the likelihood of your child being exposed to someone else who is sick.
We can’t forget about updating yearly vaccinations or preparing for illnesses like the flu this winter. This is why we recommend your child to get a FULL physical before going back to school. AFC Urgent Care Danbury has you covered from head to toe on physicals for school and to play sports. Here’s what to expect.
Reviewing your child’s medical history is important during their physical
Are they healthy? Do they need any prescription refills for medication like inhalers for asthma? Should I be worried about their cholesterol after eating too much ice cream this summer? These are all common questions and concerns parents have. And, that’s okay. A full physical covers that and will ensure that they’re on the path to staying healthy.
This is why we recommend annual physicals to build their medical history. Building a medical history means that they’re in the system. When being seen for a check up or for something urgent, your child will have a file with everything related to their past history.
Why? Because this is really important for children and adolescents. Their growth and development can be monitored and tracked by a medical professional. If there is an emerging health concern or issue, there is information to back it up.
A good example would be immunizations or “vaccination” history.
Your child may also need to update their vaccinations
Is your child up to date on their vaccinations? Schools require a prerequisite of vaccinations before your child can attend. All 50 states and DC require vaccinations for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis; polio; measles and rubella
Why is it important to stay up to date on immunizations? We all have a different vaccine schedule to follow that helps build our immune systems to fight off against diseases that can pose a potential harm to our health. But, it’s not just about us. It’s about everyone else and making sure our little tater tots are not spreading their germs to others who are at higher risk of getting sick.
Lastly, immunizations are not just for our little ones. Immunizations are also required for incoming college students too. Make sure you check with the particular school he/she is attending to find out their immunization requirements as they often differ slightly.
The following are the most frequent vaccinations required by most colleges and universities:
- Meningitis
- Hepatitis B
- Influenza
- Tetanus
- Diphtheria
- Pertussis
And just so you know, most of Connecticut’s colleges and universities are requiring students to get the COVID-19 vaccine when returning this fall. Here is the state by state list to check if your school requires it.
Come see us for a physical, no appointment necessary at AFC Urgent Care Danbury East
Get them a physical at any of our three Danbury AFC locations located at:
- 76c Newtown Rd.
- 100 Mill Plain Rd.
- 2 Main St.
If you are unsure about the last time you visited your doctor, you can always call them for your medical records to see what your last immunization was. We can also help answer any questions you may have before coming in for a physical at any of our walk-in urgent care centers. All 3 of our locations are open 7 days a week and ready to treat you. We accept most insurances and we also offer a low cost self-pay option as well.
