Summer is almost over and we are now entering the month of August with one agenda. Back to school everything! It’s time to start your child’s back to school checklist for supplies, clothes and even their annual physical and immunizations. Physicals are a great way to build their medical history, renew their immunizations and help your child get clearance to participate in school sports in the fall months.
AFC Urgent Care Torrington is here to help guide you on what you need to know about back to school physicals this year. Don’t forget to bring your forms!
School Physicals Are Important For Your Child’s Development
We know that sometimes we as adults like to skip out on physicals every now and then. However, it’s not something your child should miss out on. It’s important that you keep your child on a yearly track so that they can build up their medical history.
Why? Because life is full of surprises and if your child has asthma, diabetes, or any other health conditions, it would greatly help a doctor know what to do next in terms of treatment, if they had this information on file. Another reason why it’s important is because medical files include vaccination history and when your child should get their next one!
Plan For Your Child To Get A Needed Vaccine During Their Physical
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
Also….It’s College Physical Time!
Colleges follow similar requirements to the list above. 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.
Typical vaccines for incoming college freshmen include:
- Meningitis
- Hepatitis B
- Influenza
- Tetanus
- Diphtheria
- Pertussis
The above also includes COVID-19 vaccinations. Most schools and colleges are still requiring your student to get vaccinated. Make sure to check in with the school’s website for more information.
Can My Child Skip Their Annual Physical If They Already Had A Sports Physical?
In short, no. A sports physical only covers the athlete's capability to participate in sports. This means their physical fitness like, their heart rate, weight, height, flexibility, posture, lungs, blood pressure, etc.
An annual physical on the other hand, is more comprehensive. You can have both a sports physical and physical done in SAME visit. 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.
I’m Ready To Check Off Back To School Physicals
August is the time to get your child or your college student a back to school physical. If you’re looking for a quick, convenient and reliable place to get your child a physical, they can come to our center any day of the week. You and your child can walk-in with no appointment needed or schedule an appointment online in advance. This way, you can enjoy more time together before the summer is over.
AFC Urgent Care Torrington is 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. Please remember to bring your school forms and any sports forms and we'll take care of the rest!
