Back-to-school season is in full swing across the Portland and Vancouver metro areas, and while your checklist might include school supplies, bus schedules, and extracurricular sign-ups, there’s one important item that could get overlooked: your child’s health.
At AFC Urgent Care of the Pacific Northwest, we know how busy this time of year can get. That’s why our team is here to help local families stay healthy, prepared, and ready to take on the new school year with fewer sick days and more peace of mind.
Whether you’re navigating immunization requirements, fighting off a last-minute bug, or just trying to keep everyone in your house healthy during the transition back to classrooms, here’s how our urgent care clinics can play a key role.
What Health Concerns Are Common During the Back-to-School Season?
With new environments, shared school supplies, close contact in classrooms, it’s no surprise that once school starts, germs spread quickly. Some of the most common illnesses we see in late summer include:
- Colds and viral infections
Runny noses and sore throats spike as kids return to group settings.
- Stomach bugs (like norovirus)
Easily spread in daycare centers and lunchrooms.
- Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
Highly contagious and often passed around among younger students.
- Allergies and asthma flare-ups
Triggered by weather shifts, indoor allergens, and fall pollens.
If your child is experiencing symptoms that could keep them home from school, our walk-in clinic is here to help with fast, affordable care - no appointment needed.
Are Your Child’s Vaccines Up to Date?
Schools in the Portland and Vancouver areas require up-to-date immunizations for student enrollment. This includes vaccines for:
- Flu (influenza)
- MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella)
- Tdap (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis)
- Hepatitis A and B
- And more
At AFC, we offer back-to-school immunization checks and vaccine updates to help your family meet school requirements without waiting to be seen at pediatric offices.
Pro Tip: Check with your child’s school district or the Oregon Health Authority (for Oregon schools) or Washington State Department of Health (for Washington schools) for specific grade-level vaccine requirements before your visit.
How Can You Prevent Sick Days This School Year?
While you can’t avoid every illness, a few simple steps can go a long way in keeping your kids and your whole household healthy:
- Encourage regular handwashing, especially before meals and after using shared classroom tools.
- Pack healthy lunches rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to boost immunity.
- Ensure your child gets enough sleep - school-year routines are key for immune health.
- Get your flu shot early - flu season often overlaps with the school year.
Need a physical or flu shot before classes ramp up? We offer school physicals and vaccinations to help your student start the year strong.
When to Visit Urgent Care (Instead of Waiting for the Pediatrician)
We know your schedule doesn’t slow down just because someone in the house comes down with a fever. That’s where we come in.
Visit one of our urgent care clinic locations for fast care when your child:
- Wakes up sick on a school day
- Has minor injuries from sports or recess
- Needs a school physical or vaccine update
- Has lingering cold or allergy symptoms that aren’t improving
- Needs testing for strep throat, COVID-19, or flu
We offer convenient walk-in care, extended hours, and quick treatment for a wide range of common back-to-school concerns.
Keep Your Family Healthy This School Year
Back-to-school season doesn’t have to mean back-to-back sick days. At AFC Urgent Care we’re proud to be a trusted resource for local families. Whether your child needs a sports physical, a vaccine update, or help fighting off a bug, our compassionate team is here for you - seven days a week.
Stop by or check in online today to skip the wait and get care when it’s most convenient for you.
