School Physicals: What Do You Need?

The school physical is not a mandate or law, but Putnam County Schools still recommend students receive one before returning.

Putnam County Coordinated School Health Supervisor Melanie Bussell said yearly physicals allow the school system to be aware of any student health concerns.

“We really do like the families to take their kids to have their yearly check-up to see if anything has changed with them medically,” Bussell said. “Especially new kindergartens coming in. Just in case there is any kind of medical condition we need to address.”

Bussell said every students will have the option to receive a physical by Well Child.

“We also have Well Child that comes into our school system, but parents must give permission for a student to receive a physical,” Bussell said. If a parent does give permission, they need to understand if they are on TennCare or other insurances that counts as their yearly visit.”

Immunizations are required for all students attending public schools in the state of Tennessee. Families with incoming seventh graders or kindergartners need to submit certificates of immunizations to the school system as soon as possible.

“If you have an incoming seventh grader, they really need to go to their pediatrician or health provider to get the immunizations needed,” Bussell said.

For any questions regarding students health entering this school year, call (931) 525-4707.