No matter what grade your child is about to enter, it’s a good idea to visit to your family’s pediatrician for an annual wellness exam and sports physical. There are some common ages that your child will need updated immunizations for school. Before going into kindergarten, a child will need boosters of Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis (DTaP), Polio (IPV), Mumps, Measles, Rubella (MMR), and Chicken Pox (Varicella). At 11 years of age or before 7th grade, they will need a Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis booster (Tdap), Menactra, (Meningitis) and Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Also at 16 years or before 12th grade, they will get a second Menactra (meningitis). They also can get Meningitis B vaccine before starting college.
The annual physical also gives the pediatrician a chance to give the child a thorough physical exam that also addresses any emotional, developmental, or social concerns. In 7th grade, children need to get annual sports physical and this is required for them to participate on a team or extracurricular activity. Ideally, this is scheduled at the same time as the annual wellness exam. The sports physical is an opportunity to address exercise-specific issues, injuries, and even attitudes toward sports participation in the course of the exam.
Pediatricians also care about your health, because you can’t have a healthy child without a healthy parent. Parenting is hard work, and this is even more reason to set aside one day a year for you and your child to see the pediatrician.
Call GCH Clinics to schedule your child’s annual wellness visit today!
Dr. Silker