Do your kids need a school physical?
In Illinois, all children need a doctor’s checkup before starting kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grade. Children who recently moved from out of state to Illinois may also need an updated school physical form. If a child participates in school sports, they may be required to get a sports physical each year they participate (sometimes prior to tryouts). Schools also have requirements for dental and eye exams for certain grade levels.
Note: the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a yearly checkup for ALL children (regardless of grade level) to keep them healthy. And the good news is that this checkup is covered under most healthcare plans.
What happens at a school physical?
A school physical is just a checkup with your family doctor. They might check your child’s overall health by measuring things like height, weight, or blood pressure. And your doctor will ensure your kids have any vaccines or vaccine boosters that are required for them to start back to school next Fall. Got questions about your kids’ growth or new health needs? Their checkup is a perfect time to ask your doctor about those things, too.
Don’t wait ‘til August!
Late summer is a busy time to get school physicals – to make it easier, call your doctor now and schedule an appointment.
Don’t have a family doctor? VNA takes patients with all types of health insurance or none at all.
