Be Ready for Back To School

August is here which means one thing: It’s time to head back to school! For the next few weeks, classrooms from around the country will be filling with students who will begin furthering their education and striving for a better future.

They have their books, pencils, erasers, and additional school supplies by now. Is your child ready to head back to school? Let’s make sure.

Sports Physicals for Children

Students who want to participate in interscholastic athletics must have a Preparticipation Physical Evaluation (PPE) performed before they can participate in organized sports at their school. PPEs, or commonly referred to simply as sports physicals, are similar to routine physicals in that a medical history and physical exam are completed, and the doctor takes vital signs and checks your child's vision.

The purpose of a sports physical is to ensure that your child is healthy enough to safely participate in sports. Following up on any health issue is a good idea to get your athlete ready to play!

School Immunizations

Another important task to complete before returning to school is to make sure your child is up to date on their immunizations. The State of Florida requires that all students entering and attending school to present a Florida Certification of Immunization form (DH 680) or Religious Exemption form (DH 681) to the school. School vaccination requirements help safeguard children and adolescents by making sure they are protected when they get to school, where potential for vaccine-preventable disease transmission is higher.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has published recommended immunization schedules for children up to 18 years of age, which include the following at various ages:

• Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
• Haemophilus influenza (Hib)
• Polio (IPV)
• Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DPT)
• Hepatitis A & B
• Varicella (chickenpox)
• Rotavirus
• Pneumococcal disease

Contact Your Child’s Provider

Don’t wait, school is right around the corner and you don’t want to wait until the last minute to schedule an appointment! Florida Health Care Plans has Family Medicine Physicians conveniently located throughout Volusia, Flagler, Seminole, Brevard, and St. Johns counties, who can make sure your child is immunized and ready to return to school.