New backpacks. Lunch boxes. Shoes. School supplies. The back-to-school to-do-list can get long.

It’s important to remember to add a checkup with your child’s primary care provider to that list so your child is healthy and ready to learn. A back-to-school checkup can make sure your student is up-to-date on all screenings, like vision and hearing, and on vaccinations for preventable diseases like polio and measles. This year, all children older than 6 months are recommended to get a COVID-19 vaccine as well.

The recommended immunization schedule from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is available here for kids under age 7 and here for older kids.

For student athletes, it’s good to have a sports physical and talk about nutrition and injury prevention. A sports physical also screens for family health conditions, heart conditions, anxiety and depression, joint and bone conditions, as well as conditions unique to female athletes or those with disabilities.

No one wants another thing to do before school starts but setting your student up for success at the start of the school year is worth it.

Contact us to schedule an appointment.