A back-to-school checkup is about much more than getting a form signed. At this yearly visit, your child’s doctor checks growth, vision, hearing, mental health, and how any ongoing conditions (like asthma or allergies) are doing. It’s also a chance to review vaccine records, refill needed medicines, and talk about sleep, nutrition, and school worries. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends a yearly well-child visit for most kids—back-to-school season is a natural time to schedule it.
Monday, August 24, 2026Checkups
Back-to-School Checkups: More Than Just a Form
Why a yearly visit helps your child start school strong
The Teddy Editorial Desk · Grounded in AAP & CDC guidance
In Brief
The Briefing
Explainer
What Happens at a Back-to-School Checkup?
Most visits include height, weight, blood pressure, vision and hearing checks, a full exam, and time to talk about school, friends, sports, and mental health. Ask your child what questions they want to bring, too.
Guidance
Bringing Vaccine Records and School Forms
Bring any school health forms, sports forms, and your child’s vaccine record or school printout. The CDC and AAP recommend keeping one up-to-date copy at home and one for school or daycare.
Tips
Refills, Asthma Plans, and Allergy Notes
Back-to-school visits are a good time to review asthma action plans, food allergies, seizure plans, or ADHD treatment, and to request medicine refills or updated school care plans, based on your child’s pediatrician’s guidance.
Tips
Helping Your Child Feel Calm at the Visit
Explain what will happen in simple steps, stay honest about the chance of shots, and plan a small comfort—like a favorite stuffed animal or snack afterward. Let your pediatrician know if your child is very nervous.
Questions
What Parents Are Asking
For the Clinic
Clinic Takeaway
This week, flag upcoming well-child visits as “back-to-school checkups” and remind families by text or portal message to bring all school, sports, and medicine forms plus any vaccine records. At check-in, have front-desk staff ask about asthma, allergy, and other chronic-condition plans so providers can update action plans and refills during the same visit, reducing last-minute form requests as school starts.
Source: AAP Bright Futures periodicity schedule and care coordination recommendations
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