Rural Health, Inc. encourages families to schedule back-to-school appointments now

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

ANNA, Ill. (KBSI) — Rural Health, Inc. is encouraging families to schedule back-to-school physicals, dental exams and vaccination appointments as soon as possible before appointment availability becomes limited.

According to Rural Health, Inc., Illinois requires school physicals for students entering early childhood programs, kindergarten, sixth grade, ninth grade and students transferring from another state or country. Required physicals include up-to-date immunizations, a health history and diabetes screening. Children ages 1 through 7 must also receive a lead risk assessment.

The organization also reminded families that sports physicals are required for students in grades 6 through 12 who plan to participate in school-sponsored athletics. Those exams are separate from the required school physical.

Illinois also requires dental examinations for students entering kindergarten, second, sixth and ninth grades.

Rural Health, Inc. said vaccination appointments should also be scheduled before the school year begins, noting that healthcare providers can review each child’s immunization record and determine which vaccines are needed to meet state requirements.

Families with questions about school health requirements or who would like to schedule an appointment can contact Rural Health, Inc. at 618-833-4471.