Back-to-School Health: Immunizations, Physicals, and Tips for a Healthy School Year

As summer winds down, it’s time to start thinking about more than just school supplies and class schedules. Making sure your child is healthy and ready to learn is one of the most important parts of back-to-school prep. At CCM Health, we’re here to help families start the school year strong with routine physicals, up-to-date immunizations, and simple tips for staying healthy all year long.

Schedule That Checkup
Annual physicals are a great way to track your child’s growth and development. These visits allow your child’s provider to check vision, hearing, blood pressure, and overall health. It’s also the perfect time to talk about any emotional or behavioral concerns, sleep habits, or nutrition questions.

“Back-to-school appointments help us catch things early—whether it’s an undiagnosed vision issue or a child struggling with anxiety about returning to school,” said Megan Grimsley, APRN, CNP, Family Medicine Provider at CCM Health. “But even more, these visits help children and parents see the value of taking care of their health. When parents model healthy habits—like staying active, eating well, and seeing a provider regularly—it teaches kids to be aware of their own health, how to prevent chronic conditions, and how to build lifelong trust with their healthcare team.”

Stay on Track with Immunizations
Vaccines protect children, classmates, and the wider community from diseases like measles, whooping cough, and meningitis. Minnesota law requires certain vaccinations before children can attend school, including:

DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis)
Polio
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
Varicella (Chickenpox)
Hepatitis B
Meningococcal and Tdap (for older students)

Your child’s provider can review their vaccine record and ensure they’re up to date before the first day of school. If your teen hasn’t gotten their COVID-19 or HPV vaccine, this is also a good time to talk about those options.

Healthy Habits at Home
In addition to routine care, there are a few daily habits that can make a big difference in your child’s health and performance at school:

Get Enough Sleep: School-age kids typically need 9–11 hours of sleep each night. Set a consistent bedtime a week or two before school starts to ease into the routine.
Eat Balanced Meals: Fueling up with a healthy breakfast improves focus and memory. Pack lunches with fruits, veggies, whole grains, and protein to support energy throughout the day.
Limit Screen Time: Too much screen time can affect sleep and concentration. Set limits, especially before bed, and encourage outdoor play and movement.
Practice Good Hygiene: Remind kids to wash their hands often, especially after using the bathroom and before eating. Covering coughs and sneezes also helps prevent spreading germs.

Sports Physicals and Activity Readiness
If your child is involved in sports, most schools require a special physical to confirm they are healthy enough to participate. This visit includes a musculoskeletal exam and can uncover any issues that might need follow-up. Don’t wait until the last minute—schedules fill up quickly before the school year begins.

CCM Health is Here for You
Whether your child is heading to kindergarten or starting their senior year, CCM Health is here to help them stay healthy and confident throughout the school year. Our team of family medicine providers is available to provide the care, support, and guidance your family needs.

Call (320) 269-8877 to schedule your child’s back-to-school appointment today.

Let’s work together to make this school year a healthy success!