Vaccines, Vision, and Vital Signs: What’s Covered in a Back-to-School Checkup
June 25, 2025Back-to-school season isn’t just about new backpacks and sharpened pencils; it’s also the perfect time to check in on your child’s health. A back-to-school physical does more than meet school requirements. It offers peace of mind for parents and provides a solid foundation for a healthy and happy school year.
Not sure what to expect? Our pediatric care team is here to walk you through it.
A Full Review of Your Child’s Health
A back-to-school physical is an annual wellness check that looks at:
- Overall health
- Growth and development (height, weight, BMI)
- Vital signs like blood pressure and respiration
- Hearing and vision
- Recommended screenings, such as routine lab tests
- Preventive measures that may be beneficial for maintaining good health, such as vaccinations
This visit provides an opportunity for you and your provider to discuss your child’s overall health and address any concerns that may require further follow-up at an additional office visit.
Up-to-Date Immunizations
In Georgia, schools and many sports programs require certain vaccines to keep all students safe. During your child’s checkup, we’ll review which vaccines are needed at specific ages to protect your child against a number of dangerous diseases, including tetanus, diphtheria, measles, and polio.
We’ll also provide documentation for school or daycare as needed.
You can learn more about Georgia’s vaccine requirements at their website: https://dph.georgia.gov/schoolvaccines.
Vision and Hearing Screenings
Even small issues with sight or hearing can affect classroom learning. That’s why these quick, painless tests are a standard part of your child’s physical.
If anything looks out of the ordinary, we can help you follow up with a specialist, so your child doesn’t miss a beat when school starts.
Emotional and Behavioral Check-Ins
Health isn’t just physical, especially for growing kids and teens. Your provider will check in on:
- Mood, anxiety, and stress levels
- School performance or concentration concerns
- Screen time and sleep habits
- Peer relationships and family dynamics
These visits are a safe space for kids (and parents) to talk honestly. We're here to listen and support, not judge.
Sports Physicals and Activity Readiness
Planning to join a team, club, or extracurricular? A school physical ensures your child is physically ready to participate and helps prevent injury.
Let us know about any sports or activities your child is interested in, and we’ll make sure all forms are filled out before you leave.
❤️ Compassionate Pediatric Care, Close to Home ❤️
Our pediatric and family medicine teams specialize in care for infants, children, and teens, with gentle, kid-friendly approaches that put your child at ease.
Looking for a location? We’ve got you covered:
- Hometown Pediatrics - Watkinsville
- St. Mary’s Primary Care - Athens
- Georgia Family Medicine - Watkinsville
- St. Mary’s Family Medicine - Bogart
- St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Primary Care – Greater Franklin County area
- Good Samaritan Primary Care – Greater Greene County area
Whether you need a checkup, a school form, or just have questions about your child’s health, we’re here for you.
Book Now Before the Back-to-School Rush
Appointments fill quickly as the school year gets closer. Beat the crowds and give your child a strong, healthy start to the year.
