Understand Physicals & Vaccines

SOEVERYKIDCAN UNDERSTAND PHYSICALS&VACCINES

Visits to the hospital can often be intimidating for children, especially when they don’t know what to expect. The “So Every Kid Can” series is designed to give every child the confidence to visit the doctors without fear. This child-friendly step by step story will show your child what to expect during their visit.

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I am getting ready to visit the doctor for a physical.

I have to get a physical about once a year to make sure my body is healthy.

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When I arrive at the doctor’s office my caregiver and I will walk into the clinic, sign in at the security desk, and then check in at registration.

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After that, we’ll sit in the waiting room until my name is called. Sometimes, I get to go in right away and other times, I have to wait. While I’m waiting, I can play with the toys, watch TV or read a book in the waiting room.

The grownup who is with me can help me find something to do.

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When it’s my turn, a medical assistant will bring me and the grownup who’s with me to an area where they can check my height and weight to see how well I’m growing. I’ll have to take my shoes off, but I can put them back on as soon as they’re done measuring me.

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They may give me a vision test to check my eyesight.

They might also do a special vision test called a stereopsis.

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After I’m done, the medical assistant will bring me and my caregiver to the room where I’ll see the doctor. They will take my blood pressure by wrapping a cuff around my arm. The cuff might feel a little uncomfortable, but it won’t last too long. It will give the doctor a better idea about how my heart is working.

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They may also do a hearing test. I’ll listen to some sounds in each of my ears and let the medical assistant know when I hear them.

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The medical assistant will ask the grownup who’s with me some questions about my safety at home. Once the medical assistant is done, they will leave and I will wait for the doctor to come in. It may take a couple minutes, but the grownup who came with me will stay with me the whole time.

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Once the doctor comes in, they will check my body to make sure I’m healthy. They might use a stethoscope, which helps them listen inside my body. I will take deep breaths while they listen. Sometimes the stethoscope feels cold.

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The doctor will also check my eyes and ears. The light might feel bright in my eye, but it will be over quickly.

Checking my eyes and ears helps the doctor see that they are looking healthy.

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They might touch my belly or ask me to bend over so they can check my back.

The doctor will explain to me what they’re doing and ask if I have any questions. If I do, I can ask them.

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After the doctor is done with their exam, I may have to get a vaccine. Vaccines help our body protect against certain diseases. The doctor will let me know what vaccines I need to get that day. It’s okay to be scared, but vaccines help us stay healthy and they are over quick.

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The medical assistant will come back into the room.

First, they’ll rub alcohol on my arm. This may feel a little cold and might have a funny smell.

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Then, my caregiver will give me a big hug while the medical assistant holds my arm and puts the shot in.

Sometimes, I’ll only need one shot and sometimes I need more than one.

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After the shot, I can choose to get a Band-Aid or hold gauze on my arm.

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After I finish my check-up, my caregiver and medical team will be so proud of me! I’ll get a reward for being so brave.

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Once I’m all done I will walk back to the lobby with my caregiver to check out. After that, my appointment is done and I can leave the doctor’s office.

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