What schools typically require
- Immunization records — proof of required vaccines, often on a state-specific form
- Emergency contact and allergy information
- Medication authorization forms, if your child takes anything at school
- A sports physical, for athletics participation
Requirements vary by state and district — check your school’s specific list early rather than assuming last year’s applies.
Sports physicals
Most districts require a physical within twelve months of the season start, done by a licensed provider on the district’s own form. Book it in summer, not the week before tryouts — pediatrician calendars fill up fast in late August.
Start before you need it, not when it’s due
The families who scramble every year are the ones who wait for the school’s deadline reminder. Pull the immunization record and book the physical in July, while there’s still slack in the calendar, rather than the week before enrollment closes.
Having it ready in MedKeep
Each child’s vaccination history and card photos live in their MedKeep profile year-round, so enrollment season is a five-minute export instead of a search through a filing cabinet. Photograph the completed sports physical form into their document vault too, so it’s findable next season.
Frequently asked questions
What immunizations do schools require?
Requirements vary by state and district — check your specific school’s list, since it changes by grade and location. Keep your child’s full vaccination history on hand so you can match it against whatever is asked for.
When should I get a sports physical done?
In summer, well before the season starts — most districts require one within twelve months, and pediatrician availability tightens closer to tryout season.
How do I keep track of school health forms year to year?
Keep vaccination records and completed forms in your child’s MedKeep profile as they happen, so each new school year is an export, not a search.
Try it with MedKeep — free
Your whole family's medications, vitals, visits and documents. Encrypted on your device, works offline.