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Once again, it’s time to get the kids ready for school. Will your child be ready?

You remembered the new clothes, shoes, lunch box and school supplies, but did you remember to schedule your child’s physical? In most cases, he or she won’t be able to start school without one.

If your child is between the ages of 5-11 and is TRICARE-eligible, call your primary care manager and schedule an appointment today! Your child’s annual school physical is covered by TRICARE; however, sports physicals are not. Be sure to take any required state or local forms with you to the appointment.

Additionally, TRICARE covers the vaccines necessary to immunize your child against many childhood diseases, including:
 

According to Army Maj. Gen. Elder Granger, deputy director, TRICARE Management Activity, “It is important for us to protect our beneficiaries from a preventable disease whenever we can. So we cover all immunizations the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends and adopts.”

Following a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendation, TRICARE recently made Gardisil® available to its beneficiaries. It is the vaccine that may help to prevent the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and ultimately cervical cancer. The three-dose vaccine (given over a period of six months) is for girls ages 11-12, and it can be safely given to those as young as 9 years old.

Currently, there is no federal law mandating that girls be vaccinated against HPV before beginning school; however, some states are considering making it a requirement for 11- and 12-year-old girls.

To learn more about which vaccines your child might need before starting school this fall, please visit the CDC Web site. If you have questions about your child’s school physical, please visit the TRICARE Web site.

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Last Reviewed:  December 4, 2007