Health officials remind families to complete school health requirements before deadline

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — The first day of school is just weeks away. While families are busy shopping for school supplies, health officials say there's another checklist parents should not overlook.

"We know many families are still trying to enjoy the summer, but we need to be thinking about the school year coming up. We need to get those physicals, immunizations, the blood testing, dental screenings, eye exams," said Emily O'Connell with the Macon County Health Department.

Kindergartners, sixth graders and 12th graders will need immunizations, while second and ninth graders will need physical exams.

O'Connell said families should get their students vaccinated before the deadline.

"Schools will start dismissing students on Oct. 15 if they are not meeting those medical requirements," O'Connell said.

If a family is uninsured or cannot afford vaccinations out of pocket, the Macon County Health Department will still provide exams and shots for students.

"It's very important that the students start the school year off healthy and make sure that they are not going to get anyone else sick. Make sure that you're following the recommendations put forth by IDPH," O'Connell said.