When your child enrolls in a new school or starts the year off at a new school, you will likely be required to provide ample documentation around the child’s health. This not only keeps your child safe from illness but also ensures that other children are protected.
It can be challenging to know what materials you need to provide and when you need to provide them. Here are some guidelines to help you out:
- Elementary School: Most shots are due right before kindergarten.
- Middle School: Talk to your physician and school about required booster shots.
- High School: Sports physicals are required for all student-athletes.
- All Ages: Medication administration forms may be required, as well as eye exams for those with a history of vision problems.
Here are some additional must-know information and tips about ensuring that your child is ready for new school enrollment.
Get Updated Shot Records
No matter what age your children are, schools will want to see updated shot records. The State of Maryland may require the following vaccines to achieve complete immunization status:
- Diptheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP)
- Polio (IPV)
- Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
- Varicella (chicken pox)
- Hepatitis B
- Meningococcal vaccine
- Pneumococcal vaccine
- Haemophilus influenzae, type b vaccine (HIB)
Exact vaccines and dosage requirements change depending on the child’s age and grade level. Vaccine requirements may change at any time. Be sure to check your local county schools for their specific vaccination requirements.
Submit Medication Forms
If your child has a medical condition that requires in-school medication, the school will need a medication administration form completed annually. Most medication forms will require partial completion and a signature by a doctor.
Schedule a Sports Physical
If your child is into sports, it’s likely that they will need to have a sports physical before joining a team. Many kids try to complete their sports physicals right before the season begins, so try to schedule the appointment far in advance if possible. If your child is in college and plans on joining a collegiate team, check with your specific college or university about its required sports physicals. It is possible that the school requires sports physicals to be completed by the college’s designated physician.
Consolidate Doctors’ Visits
Save yourself stress and long waits at the doctor’s office by getting a head start on immunizations, health forms and sports physicals in the early summer season if possible. If your child needs to submit a medication form or get a sports physical, make sure the doctor completes these tasks during the child’s regular checkup. This will save you (and your child) the extra trips to the doctors’ office.
