Rural Health, Inc. Encourages Early Scheduling for Back-to-School Physicals and Vaccinations

With another school year winding down, Rural Health, Inc. (RHI) encourages families to schedule their child’s back-to-school physical and dental appointments and immunizations, if needed, before the rush of the next school year.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), the state of Illinois requires school physicals for students entering Early Childhood, Kindergarten, 6th grade, 9th grade, and all new out-of-state/country transfers. Physicals must include up-to-date immunizations, health history, and diabetes screening. A lead risk assessment is also required for children ages 1 to 7.

Sports physicals are required for student athletes in 6th to 12th grade to participate in school-sponsored sports. The exam includes physical readiness (heart, lungs, musculoskeletal), and differs from the mandatory school health exam. A dental exam is required for children entering Kindergarten, 2nd, and 6th grades.

Immunizations for children and adolescents enrolled in child care, school, or college are required in Illinois. A complete list of needed vaccinations is available through your child’s healthcare provider, who will review your child’s health and vaccination history to determine what immunizations are advised and answer any questions you may have.

Immunizations, also known as vaccines, are one of our greatest defenses against many serious illnesses. Vaccinations not only protect your child they also reduce the spread of severe infection to those unable to vaccinate or are vulnerable to infection due to immune suppression or other health condition.

“We know it’s hard thinking about another school year when you’re still in the current one,” said Shawnna Rhine, Director of Public Relations for RHI, “Scheduling your child’s appointments early ensures you beat the late-summer rush, avoid delays in having vaccines available and paperwork needed, and guarantees you’ll have everything in place for your child’s first day of school.”

For questions regarding your child’s back-to-school requirements or to schedule an appointment, call Rural Health, Inc. at 618-833-4471 or visit www.ruralhealthinc.org.

Rural Health, Inc. (RHI) is a not-for-profit organization serving Johnson, Massac, and Union counties in Illinois, designated by the federal government as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), whose mission is to provide quality services to all patients in need of healthcare while being committed to the overall health and well-being of the underserved.

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