A back-to-school health check helps parents identify health concerns, review their child’s immunisations and prepare them for a healthy start to the school year. A GP appointment can cover growth and development, vision and hearing concerns, emotional wellbeing and any medical requirements for school or sport.
At The Peninsula Medical & Dental Clinic in Mornington, children’s health appointments provide an opportunity to discuss your child’s needs and arrange further assessment or referrals when appropriate. A little preparation before the school term begins can help families address health concerns early and support their child’s learning, participation and wellbeing.
Key Takeaways
- Review your child’s immunisation history and check whether any vaccinations are due.
- Arrange a health check if you have concerns about growth, vision, hearing, sleep, behaviour or general wellbeing.
- Discuss persistent school-related anxiety or changes in mood with your GP.
- Check whether your child’s school or sporting activity requires a medical examination or clearance.
- Consider a dental check-up and confirm eligibility for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS).
Why Does Your Child Need a Back-to-School Health Check?
A back-to-school health check can help identify health concerns that may affect a child’s comfort, concentration or participation in school activities. It is not necessarily a mandatory examination for every child, but it can be useful after a long break, before starting school or when parents have noticed changes in their child’s health or behaviour.
A GP may discuss your child’s growth, medical history, immunisation status, sleep, nutrition, vision, hearing and emotional wellbeing. The appointment can also help identify whether further assessment, treatment or a referral is appropriate.
Consider booking a health check if your child:
- Is starting school for the first time or moving to a new school.
- Has missed routine health appointments or vaccinations.
- Experiences recurring headaches, ear problems or difficulty seeing the board.
- Has ongoing sleep difficulties, fatigue or changes in appetite.
- Seems persistently anxious about school or is having difficulty adjusting.
- Needs a medical assessment for a school activity or sport.
[EXAMPLE] If your child regularly complains of headaches while reading or struggles to follow classroom instructions, discuss these observations with your GP. They can assess the concern and recommend a vision or hearing assessment if needed.
Find out more about children’s health services at The Peninsula MDC.
Is Your Child’s Immunisation Record Up to Date?
Checking your child’s immunisation history before the school year begins helps you identify vaccinations that may be due or catch-up doses that need to be discussed with a healthcare professional. Australia’s National Immunisation Program (NIP) provides routine childhood vaccines, with eligibility and recommended timing determined by the current schedule and your child’s circumstances.
You can review your child’s immunisation history through your Medicare account linked to myGov or the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). If you are unsure whether a dose has been given, ask your GP to review the record rather than assuming your child needs another dose.
Which vaccinations should parents check?
For children approaching school age, review the relevant routine childhood vaccinations with your GP.
| Age or stage | Vaccinations to check |
|---|---|
| 12 months | Routine vaccines including measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), as well as other vaccines scheduled at this age |
| 18 months | Routine vaccines including MMR, chickenpox (varicella) and diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough) |
| 4 years | Booster vaccinations including diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and polio |
| School-age years | Any age-appropriate vaccines, catch-up doses or school-based vaccinations recommended for your child |
The exact vaccines due depend on your child’s age, previous doses, medical history and the current Australian schedule. The Australian Government’s childhood immunisation schedule provides the current age-based guidance. [CHECK] Confirm individual requirements with your GP before publishing a detailed catch-up schedule.
If your child has missed a scheduled vaccine, your GP can review the AIR record and advise on the appropriate catch-up plan. Vaccines provided through the NIP are free for eligible children who hold a Medicare card or are eligible for one, subject to program requirements.
Learn more about immunisations and vaccinations at The Peninsula MDC.
Should your child receive an annual flu vaccine?
Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone aged six months and over. Under the NIP, influenza vaccines are free for eligible children aged six months to under five years, as well as other eligible groups. Your GP can confirm availability and whether your child qualifies for a free vaccine.
The flu vaccine is updated each year to protect against circulating strains. Arrange vaccination at an appropriate time before or during flu season, and ask your GP whether your child needs one or two doses based on their age, medical history and previous influenza vaccinations.
See the Australian Government’s influenza vaccine guidance for current eligibility information.
Should Your Child Have a Vision and Hearing Check?
Vision and hearing difficulties can affect how children follow instructions, read, communicate and participate in classroom activities. If your child has not had these concerns assessed recently, or you notice possible symptoms, a GP can help determine whether a vision or hearing assessment is appropriate.
Watch for signs such as squinting, sitting unusually close to screens, frequent headaches, difficulty reading, asking people to repeat themselves or regularly increasing the volume on devices. These signs do not necessarily mean your child has a vision or hearing condition, but persistent concerns should be assessed.
Your GP may conduct an initial assessment and recommend referral to an optometrist, audiologist or other appropriate health professional.
[EXAMPLE] If your child frequently says they cannot hear the teacher clearly, arrange an assessment rather than assuming they are not paying attention.
Does Your Child Need a School Entry or Sports Medical?
A school entry or sports medical can assess relevant aspects of your child’s health before they begin a new activity or meet a school’s medical requirements. Not every school requires a formal medical examination, so check the specific school’s or sporting organisation’s forms and requirements before booking.
Depending on the reason for the appointment, your GP may review your child’s medical history, current symptoms, previous injuries, medications and relevant physical health concerns. The assessment and any report will depend on the requested examination and the information available.
The Peninsula MDC offers school entry and sports medical assessments through its children’s health service. Contact the clinic beforehand to confirm appointment availability, required paperwork and whether a particular form can be completed.
How Can You Support Your Child’s Mental Health Before School Starts?
Preparing for a new school year can bring excitement as well as worry, particularly for children starting school, changing schools or adjusting to a new year level. A back-to-school health check is an opportunity to discuss persistent anxiety, changes in sleep or appetite, low mood and other concerns that affect your child’s daily life.
Some nervousness before a new term is common. However, if your child regularly refuses school, experiences ongoing distress about separation, withdraws from usual activities or has significant changes in behaviour, consider speaking with your GP.
You can help your child prepare by:
- Talking calmly about what to expect during the school day.
- Establishing consistent sleep and morning routines before term starts.
- Encouraging your child to express worries without judgement.
- Making time for play, physical activity and relaxation.
- Staying in contact with teachers if you have concerns about adjustment or participation.
Your GP can help assess persistent symptoms and discuss appropriate support, which may include school-based assistance or referral to a suitable mental health professional. If you are concerned about your child’s emotional wellbeing, you do not need to wait until school starts to seek advice.
Explore the clinic’s children’s health services for information about support across childhood and adolescence.
What Should You Check About Your Child’s Dental Health?
A dental check-up before the school year can help identify tooth decay, gum concerns and other oral health issues that may affect your child’s comfort while eating, sleeping or concentrating. It is also a useful opportunity to review brushing habits, diet and preventive dental care.
Arrange a dental appointment if your child is due for a routine examination, has tooth pain or sensitivity, or has not visited a dentist recently. Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between teeth when appropriate and limiting frequent sugary snacks can help maintain oral health between visits.
Can the Child Dental Benefits Schedule help with costs?
Eligible children may access up to $1,158 in benefits over two consecutive calendar years through Australia’s Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), where the applicable eligibility and service requirements are met. For a new eligible period beginning in 2026, the current benefit cap is $1,158; the amount available to an individual child depends on their eligibility, prior claims and applicable program rules.
The CDBS generally applies to eligible children aged 0–17 who meet Medicare and qualifying payment requirements. Covered services can include examinations, X-rays, cleaning, fissure sealing and fillings, subject to program restrictions.
Parents can check eligibility and remaining benefits through their Medicare account linked to myGov or by contacting Services Australia. Confirm with the dental clinic whether the planned treatment is covered and whether any out-of-pocket cost may apply.
Read more about children’s dental health and healthy habits, and consult the official Child Dental Benefits Schedule information.
How to Prepare for Your Child’s Health Check
Preparing a few details before your child’s appointment helps your GP understand your concerns and decide what needs attention. Bring relevant health information and any school or sporting forms, and make a note of symptoms, behaviour changes or questions you would like to discuss.
Use this checklist before the appointment:
- Check immunisation records: Review your child’s AIR history and note any vaccinations you are unsure about.
- Write down concerns: Record recurring symptoms, sleep problems, headaches or changes in behaviour.
- Bring relevant documents: Include school medical forms, sporting requirements, medication details and previous assessment reports where applicable.
- Discuss development and wellbeing: Raise questions about growth, learning, mood, hearing or vision.
- Ask about follow-up: Check whether your child needs further assessment, a referral or another appointment.
The Peninsula MDC provides children’s health appointments in Mornington, including childhood immunisations, developmental checks and school or sports medicals. Contact the clinic to confirm the most suitable appointment type for your child’s needs.
To arrange a visit, see the children’s health service page or contact the clinic directly.
FAQs
1. When should I book a back-to-school health check for my child?
Book an appointment before the school term if your child has outstanding health concerns, vaccinations to review or medical forms to complete. There is no universal requirement for every child to have a separate annual school-entry medical, so check your child’s individual needs and school requirements.
2. What does a children’s health check include?
A children’s health check may cover growth, development, medical history, immunisation status and any symptoms or concerns raised by parents. Depending on the reason for the appointment, your GP may also assess vision, hearing, sleep, behaviour or emotional wellbeing.
3. How can I check whether my child’s vaccinations are up to date?
Review your child’s immunisation history through your Medicare account linked to myGov or the Australian Immunisation Register. If doses are missing or you are unsure about the record, ask your GP to review the history and recommend any appropriate catch-up vaccinations.
4. Is the flu vaccine free for children in Australia?
The influenza vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program for children aged six months to under five years and other eligible groups. Your GP can confirm eligibility, vaccine availability and whether your child needs one or two doses.
5. Does my child need a vision and hearing test before starting school?
Not every child requires a separate formal test before school starts. However, persistent headaches, squinting, difficulty reading, trouble following spoken instructions or concerns about hearing should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
6. What should I bring to a school medical appointment?
Bring any school or sports medical forms, your child’s medication details, relevant medical history and immunisation information. If you have concerns about symptoms or behaviour, write them down so you can discuss them with the GP.
7. Can the Child Dental Benefits Schedule cover my child’s dental check-up?
Eligible children may receive benefits for covered dental examinations, X-rays, cleaning and other basic dental services through the CDBS. Eligibility, available benefits and service restrictions apply, so check your child’s current entitlement before treatment.
8. When should I speak to a GP about school-related anxiety?
Consider speaking to your GP when worry about school persists, affects daily activities or is accompanied by significant changes in sleep, mood, appetite or behaviour. Your GP can assess the concerns and discuss suitable support or referral options.