Schedule your child’s back-to-school or sports physical. Learn about health screenings, vaccines, wellness checks, and school readiness tips.
Reviewed July 6, 2026
Contributed by: Henry T. McGee, MD / Pediatrics
The Complete Guide to Back-to-School and Sports Physicals
It’s back-to-school time, and that means it is time to schedule sports physicals. Starting the school year with a clean bill of health sets children up for school success.
“Back-to-school physicals should be part of every family’s summer routine. During these visits, we can screen for potential health issues, make sure kids are up to date on vaccines and talk about any concerns about your student’s overall physical and mental wellbeing,” said Henry T. McGee, MD, a pediatrician at MetroHealth.
What Happens During a Sports Physical?
During a back-to-school physical, your pediatrician will:
- Do an overall check for any health issues
- Check on their mental wellbeing
- Measure growth in height and weight
- Check hearing
- Review any medications you child takes or needs to take
- Fill out back-to-school and sports forms
- Let you know what immunizations your child needs to stay healthy
In addition to making an appointment with your child’s doctor, it’s a good time to schedule a dental checkup if they haven’t had one in the last 6 months, and an eye exam if they haven’t had one in the last year.
Appointments Checklist
- Annual well check
- Sports physicals
- Dental checkup
- Eye exam
- Vaccinations
Kids Vaccine Schedule
Required for Grades K-12
- DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)
- Hep B (Hepatitis B)
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
- Polio
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
Source: Ohio Department of Health
Required for Grades 7-12
- Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
- Meningococcal (Meningococcal ACWY)
Source: Ohio Department of Health
Recommended Vaccines
- Influenza (flu): yearly
- COVID: yearly
- HPV: routinely recommended at age 11–12 years (can start at age 9 years)
Where to Schedule
Back-to-school physicals are available at a MetroHealth location near you, and sports physicals are offered at our walk‑in Express Care locations.
Avoid the Rush and Schedule Today
To schedule your child’s back-to-school physical, call 216-778-2222.
Looking for a pediatrician? Click here to view options.
Your Questions Answered
What is a sports physical?
A sports physical is a checkup that helps make sure your child is healthy and safe to play sports. The provider will review their health history, check their heart and lungs, and look for any concerns that could affect sports participation.
When should my child get a back-to-school or sports physical?
Try to schedule your child’s physical a few weeks before school starts or before the sports season begins. This gives you plenty of time to complete forms, update vaccines, and take care of any health concerns.
What should we bring to the appointment?
Bring any school or sports forms, a list of medications, immunization records, and information about past injuries or health conditions. Having these items ready can help the appointment go smoothly.
