Schedule well-child visits and review immunizations
With area schools beginning classes the week of Aug. 10, Faith Community Health System is encouraging parents and guardians to schedule well-child visits, complete any remaining school physicals and review their children’s immunization records.
The weeks before school often become crowded with shopping, registration, activity schedules and changes in family routines. Addressing healthcare needs now can help families avoid last-minute concerns and ensure required records and forms are ready before students return to the classroom.
“A new school year is an important opportunity for families to make their children’s health part of their back-to-school preparations,” said Frank L. Beaman, CEO of Faith Community Health System. “Scheduling an appointment now gives parents time to ask questions, review health information and take care of any needs before the school year becomes busy.”
Well-child visits provide an opportunity to review a student’s overall health, growth and development. Depending on the child’s age and individual needs, families may also discuss medications, allergies, sleep habits, nutrition, physical activity, previous injuries and changes in behavior or emotional well-being.
Parents are encouraged to bring any available immunization records to the appointment. Vaccination requirements may vary according to a student’s age, grade level and previous vaccination history. Reviewing records early allows time to locate missing documentation and determine whether additional vaccinations are needed.
Families should also bring required school or athletic forms, insurance information and a current list of medications. Writing down questions before the visit can help ensure important concerns are discussed during the appointment.
Faith Community Health System clinics offered designated free sports physical dates throughout the summer, with information shared through each clinic’s individual Facebook page. High school sports physicals must be completed no later than Aug. 3. Junior high sports physicals are due by the first day of school, and those appointments are continuing as families prepare for classes and activities.
“Starting school with the necessary forms, health records and immunizations completed can make the transition easier for students, parents, teachers and coaches,” Beaman said. “Our clinic teams are available to help families begin the year with greater confidence and fewer last-minute complications.”
Appointments are available through Faith Community Rural Health Clinic locations in Jacksboro, Bowie, Graham and Alvord.. Families should contact their preferred clinic as soon as possible to ask about appointment availability and the records or forms they should bring.