Back To School Health Check Ups

We cannot believe it is already August! We hope everyone is enjoying the summer and finding time to connect with your loved ones and the world around you. August also means it is time to start getting ready for back to school. Wake County Public Schools (WCPS)' first day is August 24th, 2026.  

Back to School includes making sure your child is up to date on their physicals and immunizations. WCPS’s Health and Immunization forms can be found here: “Students are required to be compliant within 30 calendar days from their first day of attendance.”

There are a number of clinics available through Wake County Public Health:

Back-to-School season is also a great time for a well-child visit. As we shared last month on the blog, the American Academy of Pediatrics has a recommended schedule of well-child visits from age 0-18. A Back-to-School checkup might include a sports physical to make sure your child is healthy and ready for fall sports. 

From the AAP:

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 doctor 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 pediatrician 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. (Source: Back to School, Back to the Doctor: How Annual Checkups Support Your Child’s Health)

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 the doctor at least once a year builds a clear, accurate record of your child's growth and development.

Contact Kids First today to schedule your back-to-school check-up appointment and get ready for the 2026-2027 school year.

*This article is informational and is not a substitute for medical attention or information from your provider.