It's Back to School Time: Physicals, Flu Shots and Other Vaccinations are Essential for a Healthy School Year

Aug 21, 2024

NYC Health + Hospitals today reminded parents and guardians to schedule appointments for annual physicals, immunizations, vision and hearing, and other regular checkups. Public school starts on Thursday, September 5^th. Appointments for pediatric and adolescent services are available at NYC Health + Hospitals locations citywide at little or no cost by calling 844-NYC-4NYC (844-692-4692). A video with back-to-school tips for parents from Dr. Warren Seigel, Chair of pediatrics at NYC Health + Hospitals/South Brooklyn Health, is available here.

"A healthy start to the new school year begins with a regular visit to a child's pediatrician," said Katherine Piwnica-Worms, MD, MHS, NYC Health + Hospitals Assistant Vice President of Pediatrics. "Having a regular doctor or visiting a pediatric group is essential not only at the beginning of the school year, but all year round. This will enable parents to get answers to health-related questions about their child, and to help their child address any emerging physical and mental health needs. Parents can call 844-NYC-4NYC now to schedule an appointment with a pediatrician."

NYC Health + Hospitals offers comprehensive pediatric and adolescent health services at little or no cost. Pediatric services include, immunizations and annual flu shots, physicals, asthma and diabetes screenings, obesity prevention, nutrition counseling, dental services, mental health screenings and counseling. Adolescent services for those aged 12 and older include, primary care, sexual and reproductive health services, LGBTQIA+ care, mental health and depression help, and sport physical and sports injury care.

As children return back to school in September, below are essential tips for keeping kids healthy this school year and beyond:

• Annual Physicals - Yearly physicals are important to ensure children are growing and developing properly.
• COVID-19 Readiness - Children aged 6 months and older should ideally get their first vaccine dose and be fully vaccinated before school or daycare starts.
• Flu Shots - Every child six months or older should get the flu shot once every year.
• Other Vaccinations - Vaccines are necessary to help protect children and others against disease. In New York City, all students must get their age-appropriate vaccinations in order to attend child care or school.
• Vision and Hearing Tests - Children should have their hearing and vision routinely tested with their doctor from infancy through high school. Watch for signs of hearing or vision loss, and talk to your child's doctor if you notice any changes.
• Nutrition - Parents can help kids make healthy food choices - even at school. Encourage them to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. When eating bread or pasta, choose 100% whole grain products. Encourage them to choose water, not juice or soda.
• Routines - Consistent routines help keep children alert and productive during the school year and can be a life-saver when it comes to avoiding problems at bedtime. Afterschool routines should include consistent after school activity and homework schedules, TV time, dinner schedules, and bedtime routines.
• Sleep - Adequate sleep helps keep kids focused each day at school and is important for their health. Adequate sleep can range from 8-12 hours depending on the age of your child or teenager.

NYC Health + Hospitals will participate in several upcoming back-to-school events:

Thursday, August 22
10am - 3pm
NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi
1400 Pelham Parkway South, Bronx, NY 10461

Thursday, August 22
12pm - 3pm
Kaiser Park
2529 Neptune Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224
Hosted by Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton

Friday, August 23
11am - 2pm
NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue
462 First Avenue, New York, NY 10017

Friday, August 23
10am - 2pm
2101 East 16^th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11229

Saturday, August 24
9am - 4pm
NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem
47 West 137^th Street, New York, NY 10037

Thursday, August 29
10am - 3pm
NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx
3424 Kossuth Avenue, Bronx, NY 10467

Saturday, August 31
11am - 1pm
Seth Low Playground
Avenue P and West 13^th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11204
Hosted by the Chinese American Social Services Center

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About NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest municipal health care system in the nation serving more than a million New Yorkers annually in more than 70 patient care locations across the city's five boroughs. A robust network of outpatient, neighborhood-based primary and specialty care centers anchors care coordination with the system's trauma centers, nursing homes, post-acute care centers, home care agency, and MetroPlus health plan-all supported by 11 essential hospitals. Its diverse workforce of more than 43,000 employees is uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers, without exception, to live the healthiest life possible. For more information, visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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