Summer’s winding down, and that familiar back-to-school energy is in the air. But before your kids dive into new notebooks and fresh routines, there’s some important health prep work to tackle. The good news? Your employer’s onsite clinic makes this whole process way easier than driving across town to multiple appointments.
Here’s your straightforward checklist to get everyone ready for a healthy school year.
Annual physicals are often required by schools, but they’re important to prioritize even if your school doesn’t mandate them. Kids grow and change year to year, and a physical helps catch any issues early.
Your onsite clinic can handle routine physicals and reduce any inconvenience to you. No taking time off work, no waiting weeks for an appointment. Just pop over during your lunch break or swing by after work with your child. The providers know your family’s medical history and can spot changes or concerns that might get missed with a new doctor.
If your child plays any school sports, they’ll need clearance before they can participate. Most states require students to have a sports physical before they can play school sports. These exams check heart health, joint function, and overall fitness to make sure your athlete can safely participate. Don’t wait until the last minute on this one - coaches won’t let kids practice without proper clearance.
Vaccinations are often the most stressful part of back-to-school prep, but they don’t have to be. State laws establish vaccination requirements for school children. These laws often apply not only to children attending public schools, but also to those attending private schools and day care facilities. Requirements vary by state and grade level, so check with your school district about what’s needed.
Common vaccines your kids might need include DTaP/Tdap boosters, MMR, hepatitis B, and varicella (chickenpox). Older kids entering middle or high school often need additional vaccines like meningococcal or HPV.
When the weather turns colder, your onsite clinic can help you and your family be prepared for sick season with flu shots. Staying on top of your children's vaccination requirements will ensure your family stays healthy all year-round.
Something that doesn’t get discussed enough is the emotional component of going back to school. The average child’s school day is packed with potential stressors: separating from parents, meeting academic expectations, managing peer groups, and navigating loud, crowded school hallways and cafeteria. That’s a lot for anyone, especially kids who’ve been enjoying the relaxed pace of summer.
Some back-to-school anxiety is totally normal, but if your child seems unusually stressed, your onsite clinic can help. Many clinics offer counseling services or can connect you with mental health resources. Sometimes just having a professional validate that their feelings are normal can be incredibly helpful for both kids and parents.
Watch for signs like trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, or reluctance to talk about school. These might indicate your child needs some extra support as they transition back to classroom life.
The real benefit of using your onsite clinic for back-to-school health needs is convenience. You can often schedule multiple family members on the same day, handle vaccinations and physicals in one visit, and avoid the usual hassle of coordinating with outside providers.
Don’t forget to ask about any back-to-school health screenings they might offer. Some clinics offer vision and hearing checks, which can catch issues that might affect your child’s learning. Others offer flu shots early in the season to help prevent those inevitable classroom germs from taking down your whole family.
Start early with this checklist - don’t wait until the week before school starts. Give yourself plenty of time to handle any surprises, like discovering your child needs a booster or wants to try out for a sport that requires additional clearance.
Your onsite clinic is there to make healthcare easier for your family. Take advantage of it, and you’ll start the school year with one less thing to worry about.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, September 30). State vaccination requirements. Vaccines & Immunizations. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/php/requirements-laws/state-vaccination-requirements.html
Harvard Health Publishing. (2018, August 23). Back to school anxiety. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/back-to-school-anxiety-2018082314617
Nemours KidsHealth. (n.d.). Sports physicals (for teens). KidsHealth. https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/sports-physicals.html