Hendersonville Standard
HENDERSONVILLE WEATHER

Think school physicals and immunizations now




Think school physicals and immunizations now

Think school physicals and immunizations now

I know what you are thinking! This school year is not over and you want me to start thinking about next year. Parents often procrastinate and wait until late into July to call for an appointment to see their child’s pediatrician. By then it’s often too late, the appointment schedules are full until after the start of the school year.

All students enrolling in Sumner County schools or licensed daycare centers must present an updated Tennessee Certificate of Immunization form. The certificate may be obtained through your healthcare provider or through the Sumner County Health Department. All vaccines required for school attendance in Tennessee are recommended for children by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians. For a list of required immunizations, visit health.state.tn.us/CEDS/required.htm.

Historically on or about July 15, pediatricians’ offices as well as the health department have a full appointment schedule. Our phones start ringing with parents looking for an open appointment to schedule a physical or immunizations. We try to be as accommodating as possible, sometimes it’s just logistically impossible.

With the start of the school year just weeks away parents are encouraged to contact their medical provider to schedule their child’s school physical and ensure their immunizations are up to date. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends an annual check-up for children from age two to 18. These routine physicals allow pediatricians to assess a child’s growth and development as well as check his or her weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, vision, hearing and other physical, emotional or social health concerns.

Parents are encouraged to complete these requirements today and not wait until just before the start of school. Available appointments in pediatricians’ offices and the local health departments become scarce as the days wind down to the start of the school year.

To schedule your child’s appointment, contact your child’s health care provider or contact the health department clinic that is most convenient for you:  Hendersonville 615-824-0552, Gallatin 615-206-1100 or Portland 615-325-5237.

Hal Hendricks is the director of the Sumner County Health Department.

Leave a Reply