School and camp physical season begins

HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- In Massachusetts, children ages 4 to 17 are required to have physicals for initial enrollment in school and in most summer camps. They are also necessary for participation in sports programs, which require updated physicals every 13 months.

The clinic will offer school physical appointments Monday through Friday, beginning the middle of July. The appointments should be scheduled with the child's primary care manager; however, a child may be seen by a different provider depending on availability.

If any medical issues beyond the scope of the physical are identified during the appointment, an additional appointment will be scheduled to address those issues. The focus of these appointments is to complete the requirements for the physical and to review the child's immunization record. The patient will also receive any required immunizations during the visit.

Upon the completion of the appointment, parents will receive a copy of the Massachusetts School Health form which is valid for enrollment in school, summer camps and sports programs in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Individuals relocating to another state should contact that local school system and request copies of the required forms to take to the child's appointment to ensure the physical will be valid at the new school.

School and sports physical appointments will be available on a limited basis throughout the summer, so parents and children are encouraged to make appointments as early as possible.

To request an appointment or for more information, call the 66 MDS appointment line at 781-225-6789.