The Importance of Physical Examinations: A Message from the School Nurses
At the beginning of the pandemic, certain health visits, screenings and scheduled procedures were delayed statewide to minimize risk. Now it is time to consider scheduling annual physicals for your children at their medical home.
What are Annual Physicals For?
A lot can change in a child’s or teen’s health within a year’s time. By scheduling an annual physical, you are able to monitor the growth, health and development of your child in addition to safeguarding against potential physical problems that could arise. Optimum health will foster success in the classroom.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), your childrens’ yearly exams ensure that they are up-to-date on vaccines to protect against serious diseases. Safeguarding your children's health as well as the health of classmates, friends and others in your community is a top priority for doctors and school administrators. It is also important to determine that the student is fit to participate in any health, safety or physical education course required by law.
Physical Exams for School
Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:16-2.2, each school district shall ensure that students receive medical examinations upon enrollment into school which have been conducted at the student’s medical home. After the initial enrollment physical, it is important to obtain subsequent medical examinations for your child annually, or at least one time during each development stage, at early childhood, pre-adolescence, and adolescence.
To whom should I send the Physical Exam Report?
The school nurse maintains a full report of the examination as part of the student’s confidential health record. When you take your child(ren) for their annual physical, please forward a copy to your school nurse.
Where may we find the Physical Form on the website?
You may find the Physical Exam Form on the district website: https://www.somsd.k12.nj.us/district/nursingservices/formsanddocs/ =>Forms=>Physical Examination Form
If you do not have a Health Care Provider at this time, you may consider Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), which provide a wide range of services https://ww.nj.gov/health/fhs/primarycare/fqhc/