Norton Children’s pediatrician advises on scheduling back-to-school health screenings

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – With the end of summer break around the corner, you may want to start thinking about those back-to-school doctor’s check ups.

Health officials are encouraging parents to get ahead of scheduling before appointments fill up, especially if there are some vaccinations your child may need before school starts back.

Dr. Heather Felton, a pediatrician with Norton Children’s, says, “It’s our chance to check in with our patients, we only get to do it once a year, but just to make sure that they are growing and developing normally, but of course to get caught up on any vaccines that they need.”

Kentucky actually legs behind its neighboring states and the rest of the country in vaccine rates, according to Norton Children’s. Officials tell us this resulted from the pandemic.

Some Kindergarteners and sixth grade students may need as little as two vaccines, and to stay ahead of the game, parents should also schedule those sports physicals before try-outs.