The summer days are slowly coming to an end, and the familiar buzz of back-to-school preparations fills the air. As parents and caregivers gear up for the new academic year, one essential aspect that should not be overlooked is ensuring the health and well-being of our children. A+ Pediatrics is here to be your partner in this journey, offering comprehensive school physicals, sports physicals, and required immunizations for school attendance in Kentucky.
We understand your time is valuable, and that's why we don't push for parents to schedule unnecessary appointments and procedures for their children. This is a practice that we simply don't believe in, and our philosophy is and always will be "Parents Know Best". The rules are a bit unclear and many parents question, "What exactly is required for my child to attend school?" Let's break it down!
School Physicals:
It's crucial to ensure that our children are in the best physical condition to embark on their educational journey. School physicals play a pivotal role in assessing a child's overall health and identifying any potential issues that may impact their academic performance.
REQUIRED School Physicals in Kentucky:
Kindergarten
Preschool
Middle School (6th grade)
Sports Physicals:
Participation in school sports offers numerous benefits for children, ranging from physical fitness to building teamwork and discipline. However, before your child takes to the field, a sports physical is a must. It's important to ensure their health is up to the intense exercise that they may not be accustomed to and ensure there are no underlying issues.
REQUIRED Sports Physicals in Kentucky:
5th graders participating in middle school sports
6th Grade
7th Grade
8th Grade
Freshmen
Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors
Sports physicals are valid for only one calendar year. They must be renewed yearly.
Vaccines
View the chart
For kindergarten entry, all children at least 5 years of age must have:
Five doses of DTaP or DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) or combinations of the two vaccines.
Four doses of IPV or OPV (polio) or combinations of the two vaccines.
Three doses of hepatitis B.
Two doses of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella).
Two doses of varicella (chickenpox), unless a health-care provider states that the child has had a diagnosis of typical varicella disease or verification of a history of varicella disease by a health-care provider or a diagnosis of herpes zoster disease or verification of history of herpes zoster disease by a health-care provider.
For sixth grade entry, age 11 or 12 years or older, a child shall have received:
One dose of Tdap (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) if it has been at least 2 years since the administration of the last dose of tetanus-containing vaccine.
Two doses of varicella, unless a health-care provider states that the child has had a diagnosis of typical varicella disease or verification of a history of varicella disease by a health-care provider or a diagnosis or herpes zoster disease or verification of a history of herpes zoster disease by a health-care provider.
One dose of MCV or MPSV (meningococcal vaccine).
We hope this helped clarify things for you, but if you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to call our clinic at (606) 717-0177!