Pediatric offices busy with back-to-school checkups
Pediatricians stress vaccinations and health checks as students prepare for school.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Doctors’ offices are busy with well visits and vaccinations as the back-to-school season ramps up.
Novant Health pediatrician Dr. Catherine Ohmstede stressed the importance of receiving vaccinations before the start of the school year.
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“We’re giving vaccines so we can protect children from illnesses that can be life threatening,” Ohmstede said.
She cited whooping cough as an example of a disease that can be deadly for infants.
“I’m very proud of the state of North Carolina that our measles vaccination rate for instance is higher then the national average, and that showed to be incredibly important when we had a case of measles brought in from another country to a community nearby,” Ohmstede said. “Because our population is so highly vaccinated, the measles did not spread.”
She also shared that Novant Health is working on increasing accessibility for the flu shot. They intend to host clinics at their pediatric offices in October.
Back-to-school season requires more than just vaccines. Pediatric offices are busy with well visits to make sure children are healthy and safe heading into the academic year.
Mental health screenings are a priority, especially for teen patients. Pediatricians are looking for signs of depression and anxiety.
“We do developmental screening as well as some social-emotional screening, to make sure children are thriving in life and at school, and in their families,” Ohmstede said.
There are other reasons pediatricians are busy in the summer. Many kids with allergies or asthma need to get prescriptions for inhalers or EpiPens to give to the school nurse. Additionally, student athletes need forms signed to show they are healthy and safe to play their sport.
Well visits are especially important for teenagers and preteens. Preteens are checked for scoliosis, and teenagers can get tested for STDs. Anemia is often found in teenage girls, so pediatricians prioritize checking for that as well.
Contact Bria Smith at bsmith6@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
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