A healthy start leads to a strong school year. Alameda Health System is here to support children with convenient checkups, vaccinations, and sports physicals from the first day of class to the final bell.
“When kids feel their best, they do their best and are better learners,” said Pamela Simms-Mackey, MD, chair of pediatrics and chief of graduate medical education. “Staying up to date on vaccines and checkups is one of the easiest ways to support children’s success in school.”
As students return to school, they are in close contact with classmates, which makes it easier for illnesses to spread. In fact, children with preventable illnesses miss more school, which affects their ability to stay on track academically, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Staying up to date on recommended vaccines helps protect not only your child, but also their friends, teachers and family members.
“Healthy kids are more likely to stay engaged, attend school consistently and reach their full potential. Whether children need a regular checkup, required school shots, or a sports physical Alameda Health System is here to support every step of the way,” says Mary Lim, MD, pediatrician at Eastmont Wellness.
Dr. Lim shared that wellness visits allow providers to monitor growth and development, address any health concerns, and ensure children meet school and sports participation requirements. She also takes the opportunity to remind families that flu season is just around the corner and encourages them to get a flu shot as soon as it’s available.
To support early planning, AHS begins patient outreach in July with text message reminders, encouraging families to schedule their children’s physicals or come in for overdue vaccinations. It’s a simple step that can make a big difference in helping kids start the year strong.
To help families stay on top of their child’s health even easier, families can take advantage of MyChart, AHS’ secure online portal. It is a simple and effective way to stay connected, informed and in control of a child’s care throughout the year.
With MyChart, patients can schedule appointments, message their child’s care team, and print immunization records for school, camps, or sports all in one convenient place.
Pediatric clinics also offer Fast Pass, a feature that alerts you if an earlier appointment becomes available. This gives patients the opportunity to move up their visit and be seen sooner.
If you don’t have MyChart yet we’ve made it easy for you to get started. Sign up online at mychart.alamedahealthsystem.org, or talk to your child’s care team at your next visit for help enrolling.
You may also schedule a wellness visit or school vaccinations by calling 510-437-8500. AHS offers pediatric appointments five days a week for your convenience at our Eastmont, Hayward, Highland and Newark Wellness clinics.