School is around the corner and It’s time to create a Back to School checklist for your children. One of the most important tasks should be getting them a FULL physical. Why? Because getting your child a physical wil help them prepare for a whole new school year.
School is now fully in-person (yay!), but the downside is that the risk for germs, colds and flu is going to go up. Whether they decide to play a fall sport or need updated immunizations, a physical will cover all of that. It’s more comprehensive than a sports physical or coming in for a tetanus shot. A Physical will help evaluate their overall health.
AFC Urgent Care Natick wants to help cross off back to school physicals on your checklist. Here is what you should know about getting your child a physical.
Back to school physicals are important for your child’s growth and development
Are they planning on playing a school sport? Are they healthy? What about their overall well being? A physical is what tracks your child’s growth and development.
Getting your child a back to school physical will 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. A full physical will help determine if they have any physical limitations like asthma or any weight issues. This is important because if they need medical attention or a prescription for an inhaler to keep with them while they participate in sports, they have everything on file.
In addition to this, a full physical will look into things unrelated to sports like vision, hearing, lab testing and immunizations.
Plan for back to school vaccinations
A full physical will also dive into your child's vaccine history. Renewing immunizations prior to going back to school will help your child prepare for potential health risks. As kids will be back in-person the risk for spreading germs and colds will go up.
Everyone has a vaccine schedule (ages 0-18). It is important to stay up to date so your child can build immunity and protect others who are at high risk of getting sick.
Children 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 similar updated vaccines like the list above, but if you’ve skipped the doctor’s visit, you might need to play catch up.
For more information on vaccine schedules for adults click here (19 and up).
Are students required to get the COVID-19 vaccine before going back to school?
At this time, The CDC recommends ages 12 and up to get the COVID-19 vaccine. It is currently the best safeguard against COVID-19. Although the United States is roughly around 70% vaccinated with at least one of the doses of the COVID-19 vaccines, there are still plenty of people who are not vaccinated.
Also at this time, colleges and universities are taking action on mandating the COVID-19 vaccine for students staying in dorms and for faculty members. Most Massachusetts colleges and Universities are requiring the vaccine, especially now that we’re seeing the numbers of the Delta variant climb. . 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 Natick Can Help Cross off Back To School Physicals For Your Child
There’s no place better to get an annual check up than getting it done at AFC Urgent Care Natick. We are affordable, convenient and we provide quality care to all of our friends and families in the Natick community.
If you can’t get a physical with your primary care, then come see us right here, right now on 945 Worcester St, Natick, MA, 01760.
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.
