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Is Your Child Ready for Back to School?
August is National Immunization Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to check off one of the most important items on your child’s back-to-school health checklist. With a new year of learning, comes new health needs: vaccinations, physicals, vision exams, dental checkups, and more!
The transition back to school can feel both exciting and challenging for children and parents. Give your family peace of mind by staying on top of recommended health screenings and immunizations before the first day of class. At CHDC, our providers are here to help your child start the school year healthy from head to toe.
Annual Physicals and Sports Physicals
Yearly physicals or sports physicals are recommended for all children, whether they play sports or not! All kids entering kindergarten, 6th and 11th grades need physicals completed before the start of the year. Many Fall sports require physicals to be done before August 1, but double check with your child’s school to confirm. We don't want your child to miss out on playing a sport due to not getting their paperwork in on time.
Childhood Immunizations
Booster vaccines are needed before your child can register for 7th and 12th grade. All children are required to have Tetanus and Meningitis vaccines prior to entering 7th grade. The 6th grade physical is a great time to get these vaccines. A Meningitis booster is required before 12th grade and is usually given at the 11th grade physical. Our pediatric immunization schedule includes protection against measles, chickenpox, flu, and more.
Dental Checkups
Brush up on your family’s oral care by keeping your children’s teeth strong, clean, and cavity-free. Dental checkups should be performed every six months and children should have a basic mouth check by the time they turn two. In Pennsylvania, most schools require a dental check-up for students entering school, along with 3rd and 7th grade. Visit your CHDC dental provider regularly for a healthy smile.
Vision Exam
Common eye conditions in children include amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), refractive errors such as nearsightedness or farsightedness and conjunctivitis (pink eye). Regular eye exams are essential in catching vision problems early. Vision problems may contribute to difficulty learning and focusing in school, making eye exams an important part of your back-to-school routine.
Well-Being Support
At CHDC, we offer integrated well-being support services for CHDC medical patients. If you are concerned about your child’s mental health, reach out to their CHDC primary care provider who will connect you with one of our well-being navigators. We offer in-person visits and telehealth visits depending on your child’s needs.
Thank you to Mary Dressler-Carre, CHDC Pediatric Provider, and Dr. Chen, CHDC Optometrist for their insight on this article.
Ready to Start Your Back-to-School Checklist?
Keep kids up to date on check-ups and save time! Schedule dental, medical, and vision appointments all on the same day with an integrated visit. If you would like to schedule an integrated visit for you or your child, please call 610-326-9460 to speak with a Patient Service Representative.