Back to school healthcare

Staff Sgt. Rashad Holley an immunization technician with the 2nd Medical Operations Squadron removes an intramuscular needle from a box in the medical clinic on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Sept. 9. Prior to enrolling students in kindergarten, schools require children to have Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella immunizations up to date. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Micaiah Anthony)(RELEASED)

Back to school healthcare

Staff Sgt. Rashad Holley an immunization technician with the 2nd Medical Operations Squadron draws back the plunger of a needle in the medical clinic on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Sept. 9. Prior to enrolling students in kindergarten, schools require children to have Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella immunizations up to date. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Micaiah Anthony)(RELEASED)

Back to school healthcare

Published Sept. 8, 2011
By Senior Airman Chad Warren
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Whether children are starting school for the first time or returning for another year, the beginning of the school year requires preparation.

However, new school supplies and clothes are only a couple of the items on a parent's to-do list when it's time for their children to return to school. In addition to materials, there are medical requirements as well.

To help during this hectic time of year, the 2nd Medical Group does its part to make the back to school process as painless as possible.

Prior to enrolling students in kindergarten, schools require children to have certain immunizations. In addition to these initial vaccines, students are required to stay current on their shots throughout their school years according to Staff Sgt. Rashad Holley, 2 MDG aerospace medical technician.

"We definitely see an increase in the number of patients at the beginning of the school year," added Holley. "The age of the child determines which shots they need."

At four years old, children receive four separate vaccinations: Diptheria, Tetanus and Pertussis (DTaP); Polio; Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR); and Varicella (chickenpox). These must be up to date before a child is allowed to enroll in school. At 11 years old, children must be vaccinated for Meningitis and get an additional tetanus shot.

In addition to shots, every student must have a routine physical before beginning the school year. Due to the recent high demand, the 2 MDG opened its doors on a Saturday to offer walk-in physicals to those students who were not able to get an appointment in time.

"It is very busy, the physicals are booked up to a month in advance," said Lasonya Cooper, appointment desk supervisor.

The physicals consist of a basic check-up to determine if the children are healthy enough to attend school.

While all children must stay current on shots and check-ups, student athletes must complete a more in-depth sports physical before they are eligible to compete in any sport.

All of these back to school services and more are offered to Team Barksdale servicemembers and their dependents. To schedule an appointment, contact the 2 MDG access to care line at 456-6555.