Getting Ready for the New School Year

August is a busy time of year for most families. Summer is winding down and the school year is starting up. It’s also the best time to consider a number of health issues to ensure your children have a safe and healthy school year.

Vaccinations

The start of a new school year is a good time to make sure your children are up-to-date with their vaccinations. This chart is provided only as a sample for children ages four and older. Children in certain high-risk groups may require additional vaccines. Talk to your pediatrician or family physician to determine the specific vaccinations that your child needs.

Ages 4–6

  • DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)
  • Polio
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
  • Varicella Booster

Ages 11–12

  • DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)
  • HPV (Human Palillomaviros, for females)
  • MCV4 (Meningococcal)

The following can be administered up to age 18 if the child has not already received the vaccine:

  • Hepatitis B
  • Polio
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
  • Varicella Booster

Sports Physical

If your child plays sports, you may need to have a physical exam performed to make sure she or he is healthy enough for the activity. Some sports require that a student have a signed permission form from a physician before they can participate. Even if your child does not play sports, it’s a very good idea to schedule a physical every year to track your child’s physical development. Your child’s pediatrician is the best choice for conducting the exam because they are familiar with the child and their medical history.

Eye Exam

Eye exams are an important part of a child’s health checkup. A child with poor eyesight will be unable to see a blackboard, leading to frustration and poor performance. Your child should be checked. Many times, children are not aware that their vision is blurred and are hesitant to tell anybody. It’s estimated that five to 10 percent of pre-school children and 25 percent of school-aged children have some sort of vision problem.