Prepare for a Healthy School Year: School and Sports Physicals at ACCESS
As you pick out school supplies and prepare to meet new teachers, don't forget to make a trip to the doctor's office for your child's back-to-school physical.
Why are annual physicals so important?
"It's important to be proactive about your child's health and continually screen for potential health risks," says Daneen Woodard, M.D., ACCESS Regional Medical Director. "That's why I believe physicals are the best way parents can ensure their child is both physically and emotionally healthy and ready for the upcoming school year."
Additionally, in Illinois, school physicals are mandatory for children entering kindergarten, sixth grade and freshman year of high school. For Chicago Public Schools families, students’ physical examinations are due upon enrollment or no later than October 15, 2023.
What can I expect from a physical?
You can expect your provider to:
- Measure your child's height, weight, blood pressure and pulse.
- Check your child's eyes, ears, nose, throat, lymph nodes, heart, lungs and abdominals for any abnormalities.
- Assess your child's neck, spine, shoulders, arms, wrists, elbows, knees, legs and feet.
- Make sure your child has his/her updated immunizations.
- Review your medical history.
- Ask you and your child about any concerns you may have about his/her well-being.
What vaccines are recommended for my student?
Certain vaccines are not required to attend school, but ACCESS providers suggest these vaccines for a healthy school year:
- HPV: Boys and girls around the age of 11 or 12 are recommended to get the human papillomavirus (HPV) to prevent certain cancers.
- COVID-19: COVID-19 vaccines are proven to reduce the severity of COVID-19 symptoms. Updated vaccines are available at all ACCESS locations.
How We Can Help
ACCESS offers comprehensive and affordable school and sports physicals and vaccines at all our 35 Chicagoland locations. Find a location nearest you and schedule an appointment today!
As of July 28, 2023