With back-to-school season in full swing, parents are busy checking off lists to ensure their children are ready for the classroom. Among the most critical preparations are school physicals and vaccinations. According to Dr. Marc Watkins, Chief Medical Officer of Kroger Health, these steps are essential not just for compliance with school requirements, but also for ensuring your child’s overall health. Here’s what parents should know as they prepare their children for the new school year.
The Importance of Routine Vaccinations
Vaccination rates have not fully rebounded since the COVID-19 pandemic, and there are several reasons for this.
“We have the usual suspects: general mistrust of healthcare within the Black community, combined with overall vaccine fatigue. This has carried over from the COVID pandemic to where we are now, making it feel like we’re still climbing uphill. It’s a challenge to help people understand that vaccines remain incredibly safe, effective, and important to our overall health,” Dr. Watkins tells BlackDoctor.org.
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Key Vaccines to Consider
As you prepare your children for school, it’s important to ensure they are up-to-date on age-appropriate vaccines. Dr. Watkins recommends the following vaccines based on age group:
- For Ages 4-6:
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap)
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- Polio
- Annual Flu Shot
- COVID-19 Vaccine
- For Middle Schoolers:
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine
- Annual Flu Shot
- COVID-19 Vaccine
- For High Schoolers:
- Meningitis Vaccine
- Annual Flu Shot
- COVID-19 Vaccine
“We encourage all parents to keep up with routine visits to their pediatricians or family practitioners. If needed, they can also consult one of our clinicians at our pharmacies or the Little Clinic. Age-appropriate vaccines are vital not only for children but for adults as well,” Dr. Watkins shares.
Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy
Dr. Watkins understands that some parents may still hesitate to vaccinate their children. He encourages a proactive approach to health, likening it to the commitment parents make to other safety measures.
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“The key is getting parents and everyone else to make an investment in routine healthcare. It’s similar to other proactive choices people make, like wearing seatbelts, not smoking, and exercising,” Dr. Watkins adds. “I recommend scheduling healthcare appointments during your birth month. I was born in October, so that’s when I make sure to get my physical, update my shots, and take care of other routine health checks like vision and dental appointments.”
“We should all aim to stay up-to-date on vaccines and age-appropriate screenings. For example, people my age should be mindful of scheduling colonoscopies and prostate health checks. Despite historical reasons for mistrust, especially in communities of color, we need to take a more proactive role in our health. Find a primary care provider you trust and build a relationship with them,” he notes.
The Role of School Physicals
In addition to vaccinations, routine physical exams are a key part of back-to-school preparation.
“Sports physicals, also known as pre-participation physical evaluations (PPEs), provide an opportunity to ensure that participation in activities is safe for children. They also offer a comprehensive review of major systems in the body, including the heart and lungs, and check for conditions like hernias. It’s also a chance to address behavioral health and nutrition,” Dr. Watkins says.
Nutrition: Fueling Success in School
Proper nutrition also plays a vital role in a child’s ability to focus and succeed in school.
“We always recommend a balanced diet. It helps keep children sharp, improves concentration, and supports overall health. Hydration is key, along with a focus on fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. I like to say, “Eat the rainbow,” which means making sure there’s a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables in the diet,” Dr. Watkins advises. “Taking a quick look at food labels can also help. If a food is high in added sugars, sodium, or saturated fat, it should be consumed in moderation.”
If you are a busy parent on the go, planning and prepping meals in advance can make healthy eating more manageable.
“Planning and prepping meals ahead of time, especially during weekends, can make it easier for parents to serve nutritious options that are also convenient and affordable,” Dr. Watkins shares.
Kroger Health: Supporting Families
For families looking for accessible healthcare options, Kroger Health offers a range of services, including vaccinations and physical exams at their pharmacies and clinics nationwide. Their team of healthcare professionals is available to assist with routine care, making it convenient for parents to stay on top of their child’s health.
“We are committed to helping people live healthier lives and empowering communities to be the best version of themselves. We take a holistic approach to healthcare, ensuring that nutritious, affordable food is easily accessible for families. We aim to make healthy choices the easy choices,” Dr. Watkins shares.
“If you can’t see your regular pediatrician or healthcare provider, our team of healthcare professionals at Kroger pharmacies and clinics across the nation can step in to support you. We offer convenient hours of operation and are available every day except Christmas. We also provide online access to healthcare professionals, making it easy for busy parents to connect and get the care they need,” Dr. Watkins adds.
Final Tips for Parents
Whether it’s through regular check-ups, vaccinations, or healthy eating, being proactive can set your child up for a successful school year.
“The most important tip is to engage with a healthcare professional. Whether it’s your pediatrician or one of our Kroger Health professionals, starting that conversation is key. It’s about taking initiative and staying involved in your health. At Kroger Health, we’re committed to making healthcare accessible, affordable, and convenient for families,” Dr. Watkins shares.
When sourcing healthcare information, Dr. Watkins makes one final point: “Make sure to rely on credible, expert sources.”
“There’s a lot of noise out there, whether it’s from social media or well-meaning neighbors. At Kroger Health, we pride ourselves on being trusted and reliable,” he concludes.
For more information on available health services, you can visit KrogerHealth.com to find out about the resources and support available.
