Summer days are flying by, and before you know it, your youngster will be walking through their school doors again. Between shopping for new clothes, backpacks, and organizing carpools, there is one important item that might slip your mind, which is your child’s school physical exam.
Whether your child is starting kindergarten for the first time or gearing up for another season on the school’s basketball court, understanding the school district’s physical requirements will help you stay ahead of the game. The following is everything you need to know, making the process as smooth as possible for both you and your child.
Your School District’s Physical Exam Requirements and What You Need to Know
Starting with the basics, school-aged children should always get regular checkups. The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends completing a well-child exam once a year from age 3 to 21, but there are some certain checkups that your school may require. School districts take student health seriously, and for good reason. These requirements will help keep all our students healthy and ready to learn.
What is Included in a School Physical
When you bring your child in for their school physical, you can expect a comprehensive health assessment that will cover several key areas. Here is what happens during these important checkups.
Health History Review
They will begin by updating your child’s complete health story. This conversation covers more than you might expect, and it is all designed to give your doctor the clearest picture of your child’s health. They will discuss:
- Any surgeries or hospital stays your child has had since the last exam.
- Ongoing medical conditions such as asthma, birth defects, allergies, or diabetes.
- Medications your child takes regularly.
- Your family medical history, including serious conditions in close relatives.
- Any concerning symptoms you have noticed.
- Previous injuries or illnesses.
- Alcohol, drug, or tobacco use.
Do not worry if you cannot remember every detail. Your doctor is there to help you think through your child’s health journey, and intricate details can be important for keeping them healthy at school.
School Physical Exams and Screenings
The hands-on portion of the exam is thorough, but gentle. They will check your child’s:
- Vision and hearing to catch any issues that could affect learning.
- Heart and lungs through listening with a stethoscope.
- Their abdomen to check for any concerning signs.
- Height and weight to track healthy growth patterns.
- Skin for any unusual marks or conditions.
- Blood pressure to ensure their heart is healthy.
- Spine to screen for scoliosis, which is especially important during growth spurts.
They also assess their overall development to make sure they are meeting the milestones for their age group.
Immunizations to Keep Everyone Safe
Vaccines are one of the most important ways to protect not only your child, but their entire school community. Your school district will require specific immunizations, and your doctor will make sure your child is current on them.
Required vaccines usually include:
- DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis).
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella).
- Polio vaccine.
- Varicella (Chickenpox).
- Hepatitis B.
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).
- Pneumococcal (PCV).
- Meningococcal vaccine (for certain age groups).
Recommended but optional vaccines:
- HPV vaccine (for adolescents).
- Annual flu vaccine.
- COVID-19 vaccine.
Related Article: Why Do Students Undergo School Physicals?