With another school year fast approaching, Rural Health, Inc. (RHI) is reminding families across Massac, Johnson, and Union counties that available clinic appointments are filling up rapidly. Officials are urging parents not to delay scheduling mandatory back-to-school health checkups, sports physicals, dental exams, and immunizations before the first day of class.
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, state law mandates physical exams for students entering Early Childhood, Kindergarten, 6th grade, 9th grade, and for all new out-of-state or out-of-country transfers. Required components for school physicals include:
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Up-to-Date Vaccinations: Mandatory immunization records tailored to grade level requirements.
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Health History & Screening: Complete medical history updates and standard diabetes screenings.
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Lead Risk Assessment: Mandatory evaluation for children ages 1 to 7.
“With summer half over, families are beginning to schedule appointments and available dates are filling up fast,” said Shawnna Rhine, Director of Public Relations for Rural Health, Inc. “Scheduling your child’s appointments early ensures you beat the late-summer rush, avoid delays in having vaccines available and paperwork needed, and guarantees you’ll have everything in place for your child’s first day of school.”
Additional Mandatory Requirements
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Sports Physicals: Required for all student-athletes in 6th through 12th grades participating in school-sponsored sports. This exam focuses specifically on physical readiness—evaluating heart, lung, and musculoskeletal fitness—and is distinct from the general school health examination.
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Dental Examinations: Mandatory for children entering Kindergarten, 2nd, 6th, and 9th grades.
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Immunization Defense: Complete vaccination schedules are required for children and adolescents enrolled in childcare, school, or college. Healthcare providers will review full vaccination histories to advise on necessary doses. Officials emphasize that immunizations not only protect individual children but also shield vulnerable individuals and those with compromised immune systems throughout the community.
Rural Health, Inc. operates as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving southern Illinois. Families seeking to schedule appointments or inquire about specific school requirements can contact Rural Health, Inc. at 618-833-4471 or visit www.ruralhealthinc.org.
