August is often considered the “back to school” everything month. But with school starting earlier than it has ever before, you’re going to have to plan ahead for your child’s most important back to school physical. Why? Because it’s their annual checkup to determine if they’re healthy, up to date on immunizations, and cleared to participate in school sports.

AFC Urgent Care Malden understands the August “back to school” rush and is now accepting walk-ins and appointments for physicals, and immunizations. Bring your child’s health forms and we’ll do the rest!

A Yearly Back To School Physical Helps Build Your Child’s Medical Record

Going back to school means the risk for spreading germs increases. This also means they can bring these germs and other illnesses home with them. 

Last year, COVID-19 ruined most of our winter holiday plans. We also had cases of colds, flu, strep throat and other respiratory illnesses. Don't treat this school year any differently. We want to make sure that your child is physically ready and as safe as possible going into the new school year. 

Playing catch up also means updating their medical records. Now is the time for your little ones to build up a medical file so that in case they do need to be seen for a medical emergency in the future (we hope not),  a doctor will know what to do next in terms of treatment.

Plan For Them To Get Updated Vaccines, Too!

Everyone has a vaccine schedule. Specifically, children in elementary and teens in middle school and highschool should follow their recommended immunization schedule. 

The CDC lists the most common vaccinations a child has to get from ages 0-18. Here are the most frequently required immunizations from schools around the country: 

• Meningitis 
• Hepatitis B
• Influenza
• Tetanus 
• Diphtheria 
• Pertussis

College students need their vaccinations, too!

Colleges for the most part, follow similar requirements to the list above, but also may require:

• Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Meningococcal
• Influenza
• COVID-19

Vaccination requirements might slightly differ from college to college for incoming college Freshman who will be living in the dorms. If you don’t know what’s required for your child’s particular school we suggest that you look on the college’s website for Health Services where the requirements will usually be listed. If not, contact them directly. 

***COVID-19 vaccinations are also still a requirement for most schools and colleges around the U.S. If you haven’t gotten vaccinated or have gotten a booster shot, make sure to plan ahead as the month of August will fly by before you know it.

Will A Sports Physical Be Enough For The 2022 School Year?

Whether you had gotten your child a sports physical or camp physical over the summer, it’s not going to be enough for the 2022 school year. They also don’t serve the same purpose as an annual back to school physical. A sports physical only covers your athlete's capability to participate in sports. This means gauging their physical fitness: their heart rate, weight, height, flexibility, posture, lungs, blood pressure, etc.

A back to school physical on the other hand, is more comprehensive, covering everything from head to toe. You can have both a sports physical and physical done in SAME visit however!. A full physical will cover sports, and everything else unrelated to sports, like lab work, testing, vaccinations and overall well-being.

Make the most out of your child’s doctor visit by requesting both to be done

Check In AFC Urgent Care Malden For A Complete Back To School Physical

Get a physical without the wait. If you’re looking for a quick, convenient and reliable place to get your child a back to school physical, they can come to AFC Urgent Care Malden any day of the week. 

Our doors are open 7 days a week with extended hours on the weekdays from 8 am to 8 pm and we have weekend hours from 8 am to 5 pm. There is no appointment needed when walking into our center. However, you can also make an appointment online if you prefer!

Just remember to bring your school forms and any sports forms and we'll take care of the rest!