August has a way of sneaking up on you. One minute it’s summer, and the next you’re shopping for school supplies while realizing your child hasn’t had a well visit since last year.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

For families in Northern Virginia, back-to-school season involves more than backpacks and lunch boxes. It’s also the time to make sure your child is up to date on immunizations, has completed any required health forms, and is ready for a healthy school year.

The good news? Much of it can be taken care of during a single visit at KidsWatch.

Here’s everything you need to know before the first bell rings.

Virginia School Immunization Requirements

Virginia requires students attending public and private schools to meet state immunization requirements before enrollment. Schools review immunization records to help ensure students meet these requirements, and some vaccines are required before entering specific grade levels.

Most children need protection against:

• Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP/Tdap)
• Polio (IPV)
• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
• Varicella (Chickenpox) or acceptable proof of immunity
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis A
• Meningococcal (MenACWY)
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)*

Grade-specific requirements include:

Grade	Required Vaccines
Kindergarten	Completion of the routine childhood vaccine series, including DTaP, Polio, MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B.
7th Grade	One Tdap booster, one MenACWY vaccine, and HPV vaccination (parents may opt out of HPV vaccination after reviewing educational materials, as permitted by Virginia law).
12th Grade	A second MenACWY vaccine is required for most students before entering 12th grade.

If you’re unsure whether your child is up to date, bring their immunization record to your appointment. We’ll review it, identify any missing vaccines, and, when appropriate, administer them during the same visit.

What a Well Visit Actually Includes

A well visit is much more than a quick checkup. It’s an opportunity to monitor your child’s growth, development, and overall health while addressing any concerns before the school year begins.

At KidsWatch, a well visit may include:

• Height, weight, BMI, and growth tracking
• Blood pressure and heart rate
• Age-appropriate vision screening
• Hearing screening when appropriate for your child’s age or medical needs
• Developmental and behavioral screening
• Review of immunization history and recommended vaccines
• Nutrition, sleep, physical activity, and mental wellness discussions
• Completion of school or sports forms when appropriate
• Time to discuss any questions or concerns you may have

For busy Northern Virginia families, combining a well visit with immunizations and school paperwork can save multiple trips before school starts.

Good to Know: If your child also needs a sports physical before the fall season, let us know when scheduling your appointment. In many cases, both can be completed during the same visit.

Why Vision Screening Matters Before School Starts

Vision problems are one of the most commonly overlooked reasons children struggle in school. A child who can’t clearly see the board may not realize there’s a problem—they may simply lose focus, avoid reading, or become frustrated.

Virginia requires a school entrance health examination for children entering public kindergarten or elementary school for the first time. Vision screening is typically included as part of that examination. If the screening suggests a possible vision problem, your healthcare provider may recommend a comprehensive eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Even after the first year of school, routine vision screening remains an important part of your child’s preventive healthcare.

Signs your child may benefit from further vision evaluation include:

• Squinting to see the board or television
• Frequent headaches after reading
• Losing their place while reading
• Sitting unusually close to screens
• Complaints that words look blurry

At your child’s well visit, we’ll perform age-appropriate vision screening. If we identify any concerns, we’ll discuss the next steps and refer you to an eye care specialist when needed.

What the School Actually Needs

The exact paperwork may vary slightly depending on your school division, but most Virginia schools will ask families to provide:

• Documentation of required immunizations
• A completed Virginia School Entrance Health Form (MCH 213G) for children entering public kindergarten or elementary school for the first time
• Medication authorization forms if medication must be administered during school hours
• Action plans for conditions such as asthma, severe allergies, diabetes, or seizure disorders, when applicable

If your child is entering school for the first time, Virginia requires a school entrance physical completed within 12 months before they begin kindergarten or elementary school.

Returning students generally do not need another school entrance physical, although additional immunizations may be required before entering certain grades.

We’ll gladly complete any required health forms during your appointment whenever possible.

Pro Tip: Bring any paperwork you received from your school to your appointment. We’ll help ensure it’s completed correctly before school starts.

How to Get It All Done in One KidsWatch Visit

One back-to-school appointment can often cover:

• Annual well child visit
• Comprehensive physical examination
• Immunization review and recommended vaccines
• Age-appropriate vision screening
• Hearing screening when appropriate
• School health form completion
• Sports physical, if needed
• Referrals for eye care or other specialists if necessary

Our goal is to make preparing for the school year as simple and convenient as possible for busy families.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child need a physical every year for school?

No. Virginia requires a school entrance physical for children entering public kindergarten or elementary school for the first time. However, annual well visits are recommended to monitor your child’s health and development, and schools or sports programs may request updated health forms.

Can my child get vaccines during the same appointment?

Yes. If your child is due for recommended vaccines and there are no medical reasons to delay them, they can often receive them during the same visit as their well check.

What should I bring to the appointment?

Bring your child’s immunization record (if available), any forms provided by the school or sports organization, and a list of any medications or health concerns you’d like to discuss.

Schedule Your Back-to-School Visit

Getting ready for school doesn’t have to mean multiple appointments at different locations.

At KidsWatch Pediatrics, we can often help you complete your child’s well visit, review immunizations, perform age-appropriate screenings, and complete school paperwork—all in one visit.

This article is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice from your child’s healthcare provider.