The new school year is almost here. The Memphis and Shelby County Health Department wants to help parents get their children ready to attend school on the first day with all the necessary requirements. The Health Department can provide required school and childcare physicals and immunizations.

If the first time your child has attended a Tennessee school, the parent or guardian must show proof the child has had a physical examination. The Memphis and Shelby County Health Department provides school and childcare physicals at the following Public Health Clinics by appointment only:

• Galloway Clinic (757 Galloway – 522-8268)
• Hickory Hill Clinic (6590 Kirby Center Cove – 365-1045)
• Millington Clinic (8225 Highway 51 N. – 873-4433)
• Raleigh Clinic (3040 Covington Pike – 386-2060)
• Shelby Crossing Clinic (6170 Macon Road – 372-7581)
• Southland Mall Clinic (1215 Southland Mall-Inside Mall – 346-0081).

If a child is covered under TennCare, the exam is free. If the child is not covered by TennCare or other health insurance, the exam costs $85. That charge also includes any necessary childhood immunizations that are given the same time as the physical exam.

Required Immunizations:
A child must show proof of having had the following required immunizations, and recorded on the “Green Card.”

• DTP - at least 4 - one of which must be after the 4th birthday - for all grades
• Polio - at least 4 - for all grades
• MMR - 2 - both of which have to be given after the 1st birthday - for all grades.
• Hepatitis B series for KINDERGARTEN and SEVENTH grade. Depending upon the vaccine given, a series may consist of three (3) or two (2) injections. If the student had this series of Hep B shots as a baby, the shot does not need to be repeated for 7thg rade.
• Varicella (Chickenpox) – 1 given after 1st birthday or history of the disease - for KINDERGARTEN.

The cost of immunizations at Health Department Clinics ranges from $13 to $35 per visit; depending upon how many immunizations the child is given. TennCare pays that cost for children covered under TennCare. The Health Department Clinics accept cash and checks but not credit or debit cards.

Birth Certificate Information:
A birth certificate is also required for children entering school. Certified copies of birth records may be obtained in the following ways:

• The Hickory Hill Vital Records Office located at 6590 Kirby Center Cove, Suite 105,       Monday- Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• The Vital Records office at the Health Department at 814 Jefferson Avenue, Suite 101, Monday- Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Or through the Vitalchek website, http://vitalchek.com/.

The short form birth certificates cost $7.00 per copy. Additional copies of the same record are $4.00 each, if purchased at the same time. The Health Department no longer accepts personal checks as payment. Business checks, money orders, credit cards and cash are accepted.

Due to the long lines at the main Health Department location, it’s strongly recommended that individuals take advantage of the Hickory Hill office location or obtain a birth records on the Vitalchek website.

If your child has a health condition which may require medication or monitoring:

• Talk with a school nurse for your child’s school or school system BEFORE school begins or at the very beginning of school so that your child can stay as safe and healthy as possible.
• Call the school office or the main school administration office for your system to get in touch with a school nurse.
• In Memphis and Shelby County, you may call the Health Department’s School Health Program for assistance (544-7646) during normal business hours.

Healthy Habits Can Improve School Performance:
Eating Healthy: Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day, and a good breakfast means that your child has the energy necessary for optimal performance during the school day. You may not be there when your child has lunch, but you can influence his or her lunch decisions. Instead of purchasing lunch at school, pack a lunch for your child. It saves money and allows you the opportunity to ensure that your child receives a well-balanced meal.

Ensuring Proper Rest: Once school is back in session, it is very important that your child gets the proper amount of rest. Most pediatricians agree that school-age children require at least 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night. The week before school starts, begin easing your child back into a regular bedtime schedule.

For more information about preparing your child for school, call the Shelby County Health Department’s School Health Program at (901) 544-7646, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.

IMMEDIATE CONTACT: 
Joan Carr, Memphis and Shelby County Health Department
(901) 544-7505