Back-to-School Checklist: Make Your Child’s Health a Priority

It’s time to get back to school ready! But buying school supplies is just the beginning.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms that healthy students are better learners. To help your child make the grade when it comes to their health, there are several things you can do in the weeks leading up to the first day of school.

Take advantage of this opportunity now to ensure that your child has the best possible start to the new school year – and many healthy years ahead.

Annual Physicals Get an A+

Not all schools require them, but annual physicals are always a good best practice for children. A clinician will review your child’s medical history (including any past injuries or current conditions), conduct a thorough exam, and check for any developing issues. The clinician can also confirm if your child’s vaccinations are up to date – more information on that below.

Be sure to bring a list of your child’s medications with you to the exam. If any medications must be taken during school hours, you will need to provide detailed instructions to the school nurse or administration.

Sports Physicals Keep Your Child in the Game

Most schools require a sports physical for children who want to participate in a particular sport or activity. The purpose of the exam is to verify that your child is physically able to do so and does not have any medical conditions that could be exacerbated by playing.

A sports physical checks your child’s height, weight, pulse, blood pressure, vision, range of motion, flexibility, medical history, and more – ensuring that they can safely enjoy their sport(s) of choice.

Stay on Schedule with Vaccinations

Vaccines and immunizations are vital to keeping your child protected throughout the school year and beyond. Follow this checklist provided by the CDC to make sure that your child’s vaccinations are always up to date and in compliance with school guidelines.

Birth to 15 Months

• Hepatitis B – 1^st dose (birth), 2^nd dose (1-2 months), 3^rd dose (6-15 months)
• Rotavirus – 1^st dose (2 months), 2^nd dose (4 months)
• DTaP (Diphtheria/Tetanus/Acellular Pertussis) – 1^st dose (2 months), 2^nd dose (4 months), 3^rd dose (6 months), 4^th dose (15 months)
• Hib (Haemophilus Influenzae Type B) – 1^st dose (2 months), 2^nd dose (4 months), 3^rd or 4^th dose (12-15 months)
• PCV13/PCV15 (Pneumococcal Conjugate) – 1^st dose (2 months), 2^nd dose (4 months), 3^rd dose (6 months), 4^th dose (12-15 months)
• IPV (Inactivated Poliovirus) – 1^st dose (2 months), 2^nd dose (4 months), 3^rd dose (6-15 months)
• COVID-19 – 2-dose or 3-dose series (6-15 months)
• Influenza – 1-2 doses annually (6-15 months)
• MMR (Measles/Mumps/Rubella) – 1^st dose (12-15 months)
• Varicella – 1^st dose (12-15 months)
• Hepatitis A – 2-dose series (12-15 months)

18 Months to 18 Years

• Hepatitis B – 3^rd dose (18 months)
• DTaP (Diphtheria/Tetanus/Acellular Pertussis) – 4^th dose (18 months), 5^th dose (4-6 years)
• IPV (Inactivated Poliovirus) – 3^rd dose (18 months), 4^th dose (4-6 years)
• COVID-19 – 2-dose or 3-dose series (if not completed at 6-15 months)
• Influenza – 1-2 doses annually (18 months to 10 years) or 1 dose annually (11 to 18 years)
• MMR (Measles/Mumps/Rubella) – 2^nd dose (4-6 years)
• Varicella – 2^nd dose (4-6 years)
• Hepatitis A – 2-dose series (18-23 months)
• Tdap (Tetanus/Diphtheria/Acellular Pertussis) – 1 dose (11-12 years)
• Human Papillomavirus – 1 dose (11-12 years)
• Meningococcal – 1^st dose (11-12 years), 2^nd dose (16 years)

School supply lists are necessary, but this vaccination list can save your child’s life.

Visit TrustCare for Your Back-to-School Health Needs

Annual exam ✔️

Sports physical ✔️

Vaccinations ✔️

At TrustCare, our goal is to provide quality care and get you in and out as fast as possible. All TrustCare walk-in urgent care clinics are open late and on weekends for your convenience. We also offer primary care, pediatric urgent and primary care (TrustCare Kids), and much more.

Let TrustCare handle your back-to-school health needs now, so your family can enjoy the last days of summer. Find a TrustCare location near you today.