Back to school is literally in-person this time around. If your child skipped their physical last year because of the pandemic, they’re not going to want to miss it this year. August is the time to renew vaccinations and to talk to their doctors about what to expect for sports and the upcoming school year. It’s called an annual school physical for a reason.
Back to school physicals help prepare our little ones for potential health risks. In-person means the chances of spreading germs and illnesses will increase. Whether your child plans on joining a fall sport or needs to renew their vaccinations, a physical will cover all of this at AFC Urgent Care Saugus.
Add back to school physicals to your August checklist. In-person classes will soon be in session!
A physical will review your child’s medical history
Children need to build a medical history for two reasons:
- To track their growth and development
- And to detect early problems and provide treatment when needed
You want your child to have a medical record for things like weight, blood pressure, asthma and other health conditions so they can be monitored in the system. A physical can document all of this, making it easier for them to get treatment if there were ever a future issue.
Your elementary school students might need vaccines during their physical
Depending on your recommended vaccine schedule, vaccines may be needed during your next physical. A vaccine helps build up your body’s natural immunity to a disease so that it can help prevent you from getting one and or spreading the disease.
By law all 50 states require vaccinations before enrollment unless certain exemptions are met. All schools want your kids to be safe and to prevent any disease that can spread to others. Common vaccine preventable diseases that schools may require are influenza, meningitis and hepatitis B.
Other disease preventable vaccinations that schools may require for back to school health forms are:
- Tetanus
- Diphtheria
- Pertussis
More vaccine-preventable diseases required by schools can be found for each state when getting vaccinated.
If you are unsure of what immunizations are needed, AFC Urgent Care Saugus can help vaccinate and answer any questions if your child is going to school in another state or country.
College students also need their vaccinations!
Check with the particular school’s Health Services dept’ he/she is attending to find out their vaccination requirements; they are not always the same. Usually the requirements are listed on their website.
Here is a list of the most frequent vaccinations required by most colleges and universities:
- Meningitis
- Hepatitis B
- Influenza
- Tetanus
- Diphtheria
- Pertussis
Does my child need a COVID-19 vaccine before going back to school?
According to the CDC, ages 12 and up are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.
Many colleges and universities are mandating the vaccine as a requirement to help reduce the spread and to protect others. Most colleges and universities in Massachusetts are requiring the vaccine if you live on campus, especially now, with the increase in the COVID Delta Variant.
If you are going abroad, take a look at this list of state to state colleges and universities mandating the COVID-19 vaccine.
Get your back to school physical at AFC Urgent Care Saugus
Can’t get a physical with your primary care doctor until next year? Don’t wait. We take walk-ins 7 days a week with no appointment needed.
AFC Urgent Care Saugus is your number one go to urgent care in Essex County and can help your child with immunizations and back to school physicals. We are located at 371 Broadway, Saugus, MA, 01906. We also accept most insurances.
