Back-to-School Season Is Here: Tips to Ensure Your Child Is Safe and Ready
August 9, 2021
By: Rachel Hunt, MD
Categories: Pediatrics
Suggestions to help you and your child stay safe.
Schools all across Northeast Georgia are reopening now, and most children will be returning to classrooms in person. Whether your kids are starting the school year in the classroom, virtually, or in some combination of the two, there's no doubt that this year's return to school may look different than in years past. Here are some suggestions that may help you and your child adjust and stay safe.
Schedule a wellness visit
Set up an appointment with your child's pediatrician or your family practitioner for a back-to-school check-up. These check-ups help make sure your child is well, assist in managing any chronic conditions they might have, and provide an opportunity for you to get your questions answered. Your provider can also make sure your child is up to date on all required vaccinations, and can recommend ways to boost your child's health, safety and development.
Need a provider?
St. Mary's Hometown Pediatrics provides care to children and teens of all ages. In addition, our family practitioners provide care to the whole family, including children. Call (706) 769-0005 to schedule a new patient appointment today.
Vaccinate older children against COVID
The CDC has authorized the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 12-18. Vaccination offers safe, proven protection against COVID and especially against serious illness and death. The delta variant has triggered a fourth wave of the disease in the U.S., and hospitals in hotspots like Gainesville, Ga., and the state of Louisiana are already struggling to cope. The vast majority of hospitalized COVID patients are unvaccinated, and more young people are developing serious illness than at any point in the pandemic before. Vaccination offers the best protection for the individual and, ultimately, the entire community.
Mask up
In keeping with the latest CDC guidance, some schools and school districts are requiring children, staff, and visitors to wear a mask this fall. In some other schools and districts, masks are optional. No COVID vaccines are approved yet for children under age 12, so masking is the best way to slow the spread of COVID-19 in a school setting. Wearing a mask can help protect your child against the spread of COVID and help protect against the child bring COVID home to vulnerable family members.
Other suggestions for parents
We asked several experts what else parents can do during this back-to-school season. Here are their top responses:
- Don't delay annual checkups and vaccinations
- Prioritize exercise and physical activity
- Maintain good, balanced nutrition habits
- Create and stick to a routine
- Monitor and limit screen time
- Focus on mental health and reducing stress
- Prioritize your own health: schedule a wellness visit with your doctor