Why Health Checkups and Immunizations Matter Before School Starts
Back-to-school season isn’t just about shopping for supplies or new shoes. It’s also the perfect time to ensure your child is healthy and ready for the classroom. That’s why health checkups and immunizations are so important.
At IM&PC, we help families in New Albany, Saltillo, and surrounding areas prepare for a safe, healthy school year. A quick visit to the doctor can catch health issues early, update important vaccines, and give you peace of mind before that first school bell rings.
What Happens During a Back-to-School Health Checkup
A yearly checkup gives your child’s doctor a chance to look at overall health. Even if your child feels fine, checkups help make sure they’re growing well and developing on track.
Here’s what a typical back-to-school visit might include:
- Checking height and weight
- Listening to heart and lungs
- Testing vision and hearing
- Reviewing growth, sleep, and eating habits
- Talking about school performance or behavior
At IM&PC, we also ask questions to help spot things like anxiety, learning difficulties, or social stress things that can affect how a child feels at school. It’s a great time to bring up any concerns you’ve noticed at home.
Why Immunizations Are Key for School-Age Kids
Vaccines protect your child and others against diseases that can spread quickly in schools. Many schools require proof of certain shots before a child can attend. That’s why staying on top of health checkups and immunizations every year is essential.
Common back-to-school vaccines include:
- DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis)
- MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella)
- Polio
- Varicella (chickenpox)
- Hepatitis A and B
- Meningococcal vaccine (for older kids)
- HPV vaccine (for preteens and teens)
Flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines may also be recommended, depending on the time of year and your child’s age. If you’re not sure which vaccines your child needs, just ask. The team at IM&PC is happy to check and update you.
Get School Forms Done Early
Most schools require a physical exam before kids can play sports or participate in specific programs. Getting health checkups and immunizations done early means your forms are ready before the last-minute rush.
These forms may include:
- General physical exam forms
- Sports participation clearance
- Immunization records
- Medication permission forms (if your child takes medicine at school)
We recommend calling IM&PC a few weeks before school starts to schedule your visit. Families in Saltillo and New Albany often wait until the last minute, meaning appointment slots fill up quickly.
Talk About Mental and Emotional Health Too
Back-to-school time isn’t just about physical health. It can also bring stress, nervousness, or even sleep problems, especially for kids changing schools or starting middle or high school.
During a back-to-school visit, our doctors ask gentle questions to check mental and emotional health. We might ask about:
- Sleep patterns
- Energy levels
- School worries
- Mood or behavior changes
- Social interactions
At IM&PC, mental wellness is just as essential as physical health. If something seems off, we’ll talk with you about support options or resources in New Albany, Saltillo, or nearby.
Help Teens Take Charge of Their Own Health
Back-to-school visits are an excellent time for older kids and teens to talk about taking responsibility for their health. That includes things like:
- Getting enough sleep
- Choosing healthy foods
- Managing stress
- Limiting screen time
- Understanding the changes happening in their bodies
We encourage parents to let teens spend a few minutes with the doctor. This helps build trust and gives them a safe space to ask questions they might be too shy to ask in front of family.
Tips to Make Your Back-to-School Visit Easier
Getting ready for a checkup doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are a few things that can help:
- Bring any school forms that need to be filled out.
- Make a list of questions or concerns you want to ask.
- Bring your child’s shot record, if available.
- Let your child know what to expect during the visit.
- Schedule early to avoid the back-to-school rush.
At IM&PC, we aim to make every visit smooth and friendly, especially for younger kids who may be nervous.
Final Thoughts on Health Checkups and Immunizations
Starting school with a clean bill of health sets the stage for a successful year. A back-to-school visit doesn’t take long, but it covers growth, development, vaccines, and so much more. It’s one of the best things you can do to support your child’s success.If you’re in New Albany, Saltillo, or a nearby town, the team at IM&PC is here to help. We’re proud to care for kids and teens at every stage of life. Let’s ensure your child heads into the school year healthy, strong, and ready to learn.