School and Sports Physicals

As you're preparing for a healthy school year, it's important to ensure your kids are up to date with their physicals and immunizations so they are ready for a healthy school year.

ACCESS provides affordable, comprehensive pediatric services including:

Pediatric primary care
School and sports physicals
Immunizations
Behavioral health care

Make an Appointment

Back to School Checklist

Schedule a school physical or annual wellness exam.
Make sure immunizations are up to date.
Complete required vision and dental exams, if applicable.
Obtain copies of school health forms and immunization records.
Share any allergy, medication, or health concerns with the school nurse.
Establish healthy routines for sleep, nutrition, and physical activity.

FAQ: How to Prepare for a Healthy School Year

What health requirements are required for Illinois students?

Illinois requires students to submit proof of required immunizations and health examinations by school deadlines. Students who do not meet these requirements may face exclusion from school.

Requirements vary based on age, grade level, and school district. Parents should confirm specific requirements with their child's school and health care provider.

Important dates for Chicago Public School (CPS) students:
- Physical Examination: Due upon enrollment or no later than October 15, 2026.
  - Required for all pre-K, kindergarten, first, sixth and ninth grade, and any student entering CPS for the first time.
- Vision Examination: Due upon enrollment or no later than October 15, 2026, for all kindergarten students and any child entering a school in Illinois for the first time.
  - NOTE: It is important to visit your optometrist (eye doctor) for a valid school vision exam. Your ACCESS provider can provide suggestions for an eye doctor in the area.
- Dental Examination: Due May 15, 2027, for kindergarten, second, sixth and ninth grade.
  - NOTE: It is important to visit your dentist for a valid school dental exam. Ask your ACCESS provider if you need information for the nearest dentist.

What is a back to school physical?

School physicals also provide an opportunity to discuss your child's growth, development, nutrition, mental health, and overall wellness with their ACCESS provider.

How much does a school physical cost at ACCESS?

Back to school physicals are covered by most insurance plans (Medicaid, Medicare and most health insurance plans) and are at no cost to patients. If a patient is uninsured, ACCESS' Patient Benefits Specialists can help patients enroll into coverage. We also offer a sliding fee scale program to all patients. Patients without the ability to pay will not be denied services.

Where can I schedule my child's school physical?

ACCESS offers comprehensive and affordable school physicals, annual wellness exams, sports physicals, and vaccinations at all our 33 Chicagoland locations.

When should I schedule my child's school physical?

It's never too early to schedule your child's school physical. ACCESS has same day appointment availability at most locations. To schedule, call 866.267.2353.

What should I bring to my child's school physical?

Required forms.
- Your school will require proof of the required exams and vaccinations. Your ACCESS provider has access to a school physical form, which is accepted at all Illinois schools.
- Find Chicago Public Schools health requirements here.
Immunization records.
- Your ACCESS provider can issue you an ACCESS immunization passport to keep track of your child's vaccinations and the dates they received them. You can also access an immunization tracking card from your state health department. (IDPH immunization records).

TIP: Ask for two copies of your child’s records. One set should go to the school nurse, and the other set can be kept at home in a safe place so you can access them quickly if your school needs them.