9 Reasons to Schedule a Back-to-School Checkup

By Dr. Kristen Symansky, Doctors Park Pediatrics 

As summer winds down, it's time to start thinking about the new school year. One important step in getting ready for school is scheduling a back-to-school checkup with your child's pediatrician or primary care provider. These checkups help make sure your child is healthy and ready to learn.  

Call for your appointment now and ask your pediatrician about these 9 important children's health topics! 

1. Check Physical and Mental Health 

During the checkup, the doctor will examine your child's overall health, including growth and development. It's also a good time to discuss any concerns about your child's mental health. Feeling good physically and mentally helps kids do their best in school and beyond. 

2. Complete Health Forms for School & Sports 

Many schools and sports teams require health forms to be filled out or updated. These forms show that your child is healthy enough to participate. Getting these forms completed during the checkup makes sure everything is in order before the school year starts. 

3. Renew Prescriptions for Inhalers & EpiPens 

If your child has asthma or severe allergies, they might need an inhaler or EpiPen. These prescriptions need to be renewed regularly. The checkup is a great time to make sure your child has all the medications they need for school. 

4. Fill Out School Paperwork for Authorized Medications 

If your child needs to take medication during the school day, their doctor may need to fill out paperwork to allow the school to give them their medicine.  

5. Update Required Vaccinations 

Vaccinations protect your child from serious illnesses. Schools often require certain vaccines before children can attend. The checkup is a perfect time to make sure your child's vaccinations are up to date. Learn more about recommended vaccines here (Dr. Truebe’s vaccine article) 

6. Asthma Action Plans 

Having an asthma action plan is crucial for children with asthma. This plan helps the school know what to do if your child has an asthma attack. The pediatrician can help create or update this plan during the checkup. 

7. Anaphylaxis Emergency Plans 

If your child has severe allergies, an anaphylaxis emergency plan is necessary. This plan tells the school how to respond if your child has a severe allergic reaction. The doctor can assist in creating or updating this plan. 

8. Vision and hearing   

Have your child screened for vision and hearing impairments during the checkup.  

9. Other concerns you may have 

BONUS: Tips for Back-to-School Success 

A physical is a great place to start preparing for the transition back to school, but there are important steps you can take at home too.   

Check out HealthyChildren.org for more great tips! 

Feeling prepared is the best way to begin a school year for both you and your child. Don't wait—make that appointment today and start building routines to help ease the transition. Have a great school year!  

Learn More About Doctor's Park Pediatrics

Kristen Symansky, DO is a board-certified pediatrician practicing at Doctor's Park Pediatrics.