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Back to School, Back to Kids First
- Kids First Team Member
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
From back-to-school shopping to meal prep to planning bus schedules, and carpools- we know that this time of year can be chaotic. But no matter what grade your child is entering for the 2025/26 school year, wellness checks, immunizations, and sports physicals will undoubtedly benefit them! Check out this article from healthychildren.org on the benefits of including a visit to Kids First in your back-to-school checklist.
Why regular check-ups matter
Seeing a pediatrics provider at least once a year helps create an accurate, up-to-date record of your child's growth and development. For some healthy kids, back-to-school could be the only time they visit the pediatrician. That makes this checkup even more essential.
Summer physicals help your child's provider spot new health issues such as a recent injury, food allergy, or difficulties with sleep. Regular screenings to check your child's vision, hearing, balance, breathing, heart function, and more can identify health problems ranging from minor to life-threatening.
At the back-to-school check-up, your provider can also ask about mental or emotional issues that, if left untreated, could make life and school much harder for your child. They can offer guidance on building healthy habits and routines, including nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and a family media plan, so that your child can be healthy and ready to learn and thrive in school.
How immunizations protect your child, family & community
All 50 states require children and teens to get certain vaccines before starting school. These regulations help keep serious diseases such as whooping cough, polio, smallpox, and others from harming your child and sickening others, including your family.
The vast majority of parents vaccinate their children, and that means illnesses are less likely to spread in their children's schools. When all children are able to access immunizations, we can create healthier schools for everyone.
AAP policy explained: school immunization requirements
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children have vaccines as required by the laws of their state. Strong immunization laws support healthy school environments, safe spaces where children can learn, grow, and thrive.
Immunizations are one of the most important steps we can take to protect kids in the classroom. Following the AAP recommended vaccine schedule ensures that by the time your child is old enough to start kindergarten, their immune system will be ready to resist 16 diseases. This helps them stay ahead of germs so they can avoid getting sick and missing school. Vaccines keep their school friends, families, and communities healthy, too. When more school kids have immunity, it’s harder for dangerous contagious diseases to spread.
Sometimes, a child might have a medical reason why they should skip one or more shots. Medical exemptions might be temporary or permanent, based on the child and their condition. (See "AAP Reaffirms Stance on Non-Medical Exemptions to School Entry Immunization Requirements.")
Sports physicals aren't just for student athletes.
The AAP recommends sports physicals for all children and teens, even those who don't plan to join a team. This portion of your child's back-to-school checkup helps their provider review concerns like diet, physical fitness, and your child's body image.
Student athletes may need to submit forms showing they've had a sports physical, so adding this to your back-to-school routine saves time. During this visit, your pediatrician can also provide tips for avoiding overuse and overtraining injuries, healthy eating for athletic success, and more.
Sports and other extracurricular activities can be great for kids, boosting physical activity, emotional health, and a sense of belonging. If your child is interested in sports but not sure how or where to get involved, the pediatrician can help connect your family with teams and leagues in your community.
Having all school forms in hand makes the process smoother
Check with your child's school to make sure you have the right forms before heading to the doctor's office. Along with basic health screenings and sports exams, you may need to file paperwork if your child takes medication at school. This could include prescriptions for asthma, ADHD, seizures or serious allergies. Coordinating with the school health team now ensures that there are guidelines in place for handling health emergencies all year long.
Remember
Back-to-school physicals are an easy, effective way to check on your child's overall health and address any questions you might have. Seeing a provider at least once a year builds a clear, accurate record of your child's growth and development.
Regular visits also give pediatricians the chance to screen for health problems of all kinds, from vision and hearing to physical well-being and much more. Your child's doctor will also ask about mental and emotional concerns and other health and developmental conditions that can lead to school struggles.
Your pediatrician cares about parent and family health, too. If you're facing difficulties with housing, nutrition, health care expenses, or anything else that affects your family's well-being, ask about local resources and programs that can help.
Book your child’s back-to-school appointment at Kids First Pediatrics of Raleigh: (919) 250-3478 or Clayton: (919) 267-1499.
More information
Article Source: Back to School, Back to the Doctor: How Annual Checkups Support Your Child’s Health, healthychildren.org
*This article is informational and is not a substitute for medical attention or information from your provider.
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