With the school year coming to a close parents aren’t typically thinking about fall enrollment, said DeeDee Martin.
Children entering preschool or kindergarten in the fall must have a physical and meet immunization requirements.
It is estimated that 200 children in Allen County will enroll in kindergarten in the fall and each of those children will need a physical, whether through the health department or a private physician, said Martin, Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department registered nurse.
Parents who contact the health department prior to July 15 can schedule a physical for their child for $25. The physical includes a blood pressure check, check of heart, lungs, spine and stomach, motor skills, hearing and vision tests and a check to see if the child knows his colors and shapes. The exam takes about 45 minutes, Martin said.
A school physical could cost on average $150 to $175 for those without insurance. The cost of school physicals at the health department may cost less than the co-payments for some insurance plans. The health department accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield and all types of Medicaid.
REQUIRED IMMUNIZATIONS for youngsters entering kindergarten are diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox) and hepatitis B. Immunizations for those without insurance are $10 a shot.
Students entering middle school should have an additional dose of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis and varicella if they haven’t had a confirmed case of chickenpox, Martin said.
High school students are also required to have an additional dose of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis.
Monday is open immunization day at the health department. Appointments may be made Tuesdays through Fridays for physicals and immunizations by calling 365-2191.
