As August ushers in "National Immunization Awareness Month," it's the perfect time to focus on your child’s health. With the school year fast approaching, ensuring your child is up-to-date with their immunizations is a crucial step in their preparation. At AFC Urgent Care Southington, we understand the importance of this task and are here to support you every step of the way.

Why Prioritize Back-to-School Physicals?

Amidst the hustle of getting ready for school, don't forget to schedule your child’s comprehensive back-to-school physical. This appointment is not just a routine checkup; it is essential for preparing your child for a healthy school year. Schools are often breeding grounds for germs and infections, making this physical a key opportunity to address any health concerns and ensure your child is fully protected.

At AFC Urgent Care, our back-to-school physicals go beyond the basics. They include necessary vaccinations, a review of your child’s medical history, and guidance on preventing common injuries, especially if they are involved in fall sports. This thorough approach ensures that all aspects of your child’s health are taken into account, setting them up for success as they head back to school.

Creating a Detailed Medical History

Regular physicals are vital for tracking your child’s health over time. Scheduling an annual physical before the school year begins helps create a comprehensive medical history. This is crucial for early detection of health issues and provides insights into previous illnesses, injuries, and vaccination statuses.

For example, if your child has asthma or other ongoing conditions, our healthcare professionals can develop a tailored management plan to keep their condition in check throughout the year. Additionally, if your child is participating in sports, the physical can assess their fitness and readiness. A well-documented medical history also eliminates the need for repetitive evaluations in the future.

Free Back-to-School Vaccinations for Eligible Children

We are pleased to offer free "back-to-school vaccinations" for eligible children. This includes those under 19 with Husky or no insurance, those who are underinsured, or Native Alaskan. This program ensures that all children have access to essential vaccines, regardless of their insurance status.

Important Vaccinations for School-Age Children

As your child prepares for school, make sure they are up-to-date on their vaccinations. These vaccines are critical in protecting against serious diseases and maintaining overall health. Some of the common vaccinations required for school-age children include:

• Meningitis: Protects against bacterial meningitis.
• Hepatitis B: Guards against hepatitis B virus infection.
• Influenza: Helps prevent seasonal flu.
• Tetanus: Often combined with diphtheria and pertussis.
• Diphtheria: Prevents a serious bacterial infection.
• Pertussis: Also known as whooping cough.

For detailed vaccination schedules, refer to the CDC’s recommendations for children aged 0-18. If your child missed any vaccinations or physicals, now is the time to catch up.

Special Considerations for College Students

Incoming college students, especially those living in dormitories, may have additional vaccination requirements. Check your child’s college website for specific Health Services requirements or contact the college directly. Many institutions still require COVID-19 vaccinations or boosters, so it’s important to stay informed about these requirements.

Common vaccinations for college freshmen may include:

• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
• HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
• Meningococcal
• Influenza
• COVID-19

Ensuring your child meets these requirements will help them start their college journey on the right foot.

Combining Physicals with Sports Clearance

Remember, sports physicals are different from regular annual physicals. Sports evaluations focus on fitness and the ability to participate in sports, while annual physicals provide a comprehensive health overview. To streamline the process, consider scheduling both types of physicals in one visit.

Visit AFC Urgent Care Southington

At AFC Urgent Care Southington, we are here to help you with all your back-to-school health needs. Our dedicated providers are available to complete necessary health forms and address any questions you may have about physicals and vaccinations. We are open seven days a week, from 8 am to 8 pm on weekdays and 8 am to 5 pm on weekends. We accept most insurances!

Don’t wait—walk in or schedule an appointment today to ensure your child is ready for a successful school year. Our easy-to-use online payment system allows you to settle your bill with just a few clicks. Eligible children can also take advantage of free "back-to-school vaccinations" if they meet the criteria. Let’s make National Immunization Awareness Month a time to prioritize our children’s health and set them up for success.