Come August, your child is going to be needing their annual physical to prepare for a new school year. It’s the most important physical of the year and it covers a whole lot more than a sports physical or check up.
If you got your child a sports physical for summer camp or summer sports, this does not mean you can skip the back to school physical. Annual school physicals are more comprehensive and will help your child prepare for common sicknesses kids get during the school year. A Full physical will cover all of this at AFC Urgent Care Springfield.
Start Building Your Child's Medical History With A Back To School Physical
Did you know that getting a physical is the first step to building your child’s medical history?
By getting an annual physical, especially before going back to school, it allows for your child to build their medical history in the system. Not only will this help detect early health problems, but it will also help you stay informed about your child’s history of past illnesses, injuries or immunization records.
Think about the time you can save for your child when they grow older. If they need prescription refills or they have medical conditions like asthma, it’s all in the system ready for a medical professional to help them get the treatment they need.
Vaccinations Are Also A Part Of Back To School Physicals
Everyone has a vaccination schedule. The CDC lists the most common vaccinations a child has to get from ages 0-18. Renewing your child’s vaccination will help protect your kids, your family relatives and everyone else around them. Life threatening diseases often have unfortunate long term effects. Even if we don’t come into contact with some of these life threatening diseases, we should still take precautions.
Here is a list of vaccinations schools will require for the school year:
- Meningitis
- Hepatitis B
- Influenza
- Tetanus
- Diphtheria
- Pertussis
College Freshmen need their back to school vaccines, too!
Vaccinations are also important for college students! Here is a list of the most common vaccines college freshmen need before going away to school:
- Meningitis
- Hepatitis B
- Influenza
- Tetanus
- Diphtheria
- Pertussis
Requirements can often differ from college to college. It’s also important for them to not miss out on these vaccinations, especially if they plan on living in a dorm. If you don’t know what’s required for your child’s particular school you look on the college website for Health Services where the requirements will usually be listed. If not, contact them directly.
This also pertains to the new COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots. Most schools and colleges still require students to get vaccinated for COVID-19. Make sure you contact your child’s school or check their health services to see if it’s a prerequisite before they attend.
Aren’t Back To School Physicals And Sports Physicals The Same Thing?
You would think so because it has the word “physical” in it, but these are two separate types of physicals.
Sports physicals only focus on the athletes health and ability to perform physical activities while an annual physical is more comprehensive and covers a patient's full medical history.
If you didn’t have a sports physical done this summer and your child is planning on doing a fall sport, they can do both a sports physical and their annual physical in the same visit.
Bring Your Child’s Forms And We’ll Help Give Them A Physical Before They Go Back To School!
AFC Urgent Care Springfield is ready to answer any questions or concerns regarding physicals, vaccines and fall sports! We are open 7 days a week, 8am-8pm Monday-Friday and also 8am-5pm on the weekends. We also accept most insurances.
We are now accepting walk-ins and appointments for back to school physicals and vaccinations!
