SCHOOLS REOPEN IN LATE AUGUST. DO NOT WAIT. Most Connecticut school districts open between August 25 and August 31, 2026. Stamford and Hartford open August 25, Bridgeport opens August 27, and Waterbury, Danbury, and most other districts open between August 25 and August 28. Confirm the exact date with your district. Students entering Pre-K, Kindergarten, Grade 7, and Grade 10 cannot start school without a completed physical and current immunizations on file. Walk into any DOCS location today. No appointment is needed for most school physicals.
August is the busiest month of the year for school physicals in Connecticut, and the window between now and the first day of school is shorter than many families realize. Connecticut State Law requires a completed Health Assessment Record, commonly called the HAR form, before students in certain grades can begin classes.
Sports physicals are required annually for student athletes in Grades 6 through 12. Immunization requirements also changed during the 2025 and 2026 school year, which means some students may need catch-up vaccines before they can enter school.
DOCS Medical Group makes the process simple. Walk into any of more than 20 Connecticut locations. Bring your child vaccination records and the HAR form from the school district. Board-certified physicians can complete the physical examination, review immunizations, administer missing vaccines when appropriate, and complete the required school documentation.
What You Will Learn
- Connecticut school physical requirements: Which students need mandatory physicals before the first day of school
- Grade-specific vaccine requirements: The immunizations required for preschool, Kindergarten, Grade 7, Grade 10, and student athletes
- What to bring to the appointment: Required forms, vaccination records, insurance information, and supporting medical documentation
- What the examination includes: Physical examination components, screenings, immunization review, and HAR form completion
- Important August 2026 deadlines: When to complete physicals, submit forms, and obtain sports clearance
- DOCS locations and availability: Connecticut addresses, telephone numbers, and clinic hours
Who Needs a Physical Before School Starts in Connecticut?
Connecticut State Law and individual school district requirements mandate physical examinations for students at specific grade-entry points. Sports physicals are a separate annual requirement for students participating in school athletics.| Student Type | Physical Required? | Form Required | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-K or preschool student entering a program | Yes, mandatory | Connecticut Early Childhood Health Assessment Record, commonly called the yellow form | Before the first day of school |
| Kindergarten student entering school | Yes, mandatory | Connecticut Health Assessment Record HAR-3, commonly called the blue form | Before the first day of school |
| Grade 7 student | Yes, mandatory | Connecticut Health Assessment Record HAR-3, commonly called the blue form | Before the first day of school |
| Grade 10 student in most districts or Grade 11 student in certain districts | Yes, mandatory | Connecticut Health Assessment Record HAR-3, commonly called the blue form | Before the first day of school. Confirm the required grade with the school nurse. |
| New student entering a Connecticut district at any grade level | Yes, mandatory | Connecticut HAR-3 form or an equivalent examination completed within the previous year | Before enrollment |
| Student athlete in Grades 6 through 12 | Yes, annual sports physical required | District-specific Connecticut sports physical form | Before the first practice or tryout |
| Returning student in another grade | Recommended annually | No mandatory form unless immunizations or other documentation are due | Annual examination recommended. Immunization updates remain required. |
Connecticut Immunization Requirements by Grade for 2025 and 2026
Connecticut students must satisfy all immunization requirements applicable to their grade before starting school. DOCS can review vaccination records, identify missing doses, and administer required vaccines on-site when appropriate.| Grade Level | Required Vaccines | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool, ages 24 through 59 months |
Hepatitis B: 3 doses DTaP: 4 doses Polio: 3 doses MMR: 1 dose Varicella: 1 dose Hepatitis A: 2 doses HiB: 1 dose Pneumococcal: 1 dose Influenza: 1 or 2 doses annually |
Influenza vaccination is required annually between August 1 and December 31. First-time recipients may require two doses separated by at least 28 days. |
| Kindergarten |
Hepatitis B: 3 doses DTaP: 5 doses Polio: 4 doses MMR: 2 doses Varicella: 2 doses Hepatitis A: 2 doses Influenza: annually |
All doses must satisfy minimum age and interval requirements. Laboratory confirmation of immunity may be accepted for certain vaccines. |
| Grade 7 |
All Kindergarten requirements Tdap: 1 dose if not previously received Meningococcal MenACWY: 1 dose Influenza: annually |
Tdap is required for students in Grades 7 through 12. Live-virus vaccines administered on different days may need to be separated by at least 28 days. |
| Grade 10 or Grade 11, depending on district |
All prior requirements Meningococcal MenACWY booster when the first dose was administered before age 16 Influenza: annually |
The Connecticut state mandate applies at Grade 10, but certain districts require the physical at Grade 11. Confirm with the school nurse. |
| Student athletes in Grades 6 through 12 | Annual sports physical and all grade-level immunizations must be current. | The sports physical must generally be completed within 13 months of the season start. It is separate from the school-entry physical. |
Important: Connecticut no longer accepts religious exemptions from school immunization requirements under Public Act 21-6. Only qualifying medical exemptions signed by a licensed Connecticut physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse are accepted.
What to Bring to Your DOCS School Physical
Arriving prepared can make the visit faster and help prevent a return trip for missing documentation.- Immunization records: Bring all previous vaccination records from any provider, state, or country
- The appropriate HAR form: Bring the blue form for Kindergarten, Grade 7, or Grade 10, or the yellow form for Pre-K
- Insurance information: Bring the insurance card. Self-pay patients are also welcome
- Medication list: Prepare a current list of medications and supplements
- Medical documentation: Bring specialist letters or supporting information for chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or seizure disorders
- Sports physical form: Student athletes should bring the district-specific form from the athletic office
- Parent or legal guardian: A parent or legal guardian must be present for patients under 18
Do not have your child immunization records? Do not delay. DOCS may be able to review Connecticut CT WiZ, the state immunization registry, and administer missing vaccines on-site during the same visit. Starting early also provides additional time for vaccines that require multiple doses.
What Is Included in a DOCS School Physical?
| Component | What We Assess | Why It Matters for School |
|---|---|---|
| Complete physical examination | Height, weight, body mass index, blood pressure, vision, hearing, heart, lungs, abdomen, skin, and neurological health | Required for HAR-3 form completion and helps identify conditions requiring school accommodations |
| Immunization review | All vaccination records reviewed against Connecticut requirements for the applicable grade | Missing vaccines are identified and may be administered during the same visit |
| Vision screening | Distance visual acuity testing and referral for a complete eye examination when indicated | Uncorrected vision problems can affect reading, classroom participation, and academic performance |
| Hearing screening | Basic hearing evaluation and referral to an audiologist when indicated | Hearing difficulties can affect communication and classroom performance |
| Hemoglobin or hematocrit testing | Required blood testing for certain Pre-K and Kindergarten entry examinations | Helps identify iron-deficiency anemia and supports completion of the applicable Connecticut health form |
| Developmental screening | Age-appropriate review of developmental milestones for Pre-K and early elementary students | May identify early learning needs and support further school evaluations |
| Sports physical components | Musculoskeletal, cardiac, and neurological examination, concussion history, and hernia evaluation | Supports athletic clearance and identifies cardiac or musculoskeletal risk factors |
| HAR form completion | The physician completes and signs the medical portion of the blue or yellow Connecticut Health Assessment Record | Provides the completed documentation required by the school nurse |
August 2026 Back-to-School Timeline
| When | What You Should Do | Why It Is Time-Sensitive |
|---|---|---|
| Right now, during July or early August | Schedule or walk in for the school physical. Begin any required catch-up vaccine series immediately. | Some vaccines require multiple doses separated by four weeks or longer. Starting late may prevent completion before school opens. |
| By August 10 | Confirm that all required immunizations are complete and compare the vaccination record with the applicable grade requirements. | This leaves time to resolve missing records or obtain catch-up doses before the first-day deadline. |
| By August 18 | Submit the completed HAR form to the school nurse. | Students entering Pre-K, Kindergarten, Grade 7, and Grade 10 may be excluded from school if the form is not on file. |
| August 25 through August 31 | Confirm the district opening date. Stamford and Hartford open August 25, Bridgeport opens August 27, and many districts open between August 25 and August 28. | Students without the required documents may be denied entry or placed on conditional status while compliance is addressed. |
| Before the first practice or tryout | Complete and submit the sports physical form to the athletic office. | Athletic clearance is separate from school-entry clearance. A student without an approved sports physical may not participate. |
Who We See at DOCS for School Physicals
| Patient | Common Need | How DOCS Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-K and Kindergarten entrants | Mandatory physical, full immunization review, and yellow or blue HAR form completion | Walk-in examination, on-site vaccines, hemoglobin testing, and HAR form completion |
| Grade 7 students | Updated physical, Tdap and MenACWY vaccine review, and HAR-3 form | A board-certified physician completes the examination, administers indicated vaccines, and completes the form |
| Grade 10 students | Updated physical, HAR-3 form, and possible MenACWY booster | The physician reviews immunization history, administers the booster when indicated, and completes the HAR form |
| Student athletes in Grades 6 through 12 | Annual sports physical with cardiac and musculoskeletal clearance | Same-day sports clearance may be available with completion of the district athletic form |
| Students arriving from another state or country | Physical examination completed within the previous year and review of Connecticut requirements | DOCS reviews records against Connecticut requirements and administers catch-up vaccines when appropriate |
| Students with chronic conditions | School accommodations, medication authorization, or condition-specific documentation | The integrated primary care team can help prepare relevant school documentation |
| Families bringing multiple children | Several physical examinations involving different grade and immunization requirements | Multiple children can be evaluated during the same family visit at most locations |
Why Choose DOCS for a School Physical?
Pediatrician offices throughout Connecticut can fill their August schedules several weeks in advance. DOCS provides walk-in availability, evening hours, weekend access at many locations, on-site immunizations, and same-day form completion.| What Matters | DOCS Medical Group | Pediatrician Office | Retail Clinic | Hospital Occupational Health |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walk-in access | Yes, at all locations for most school physicals | Appointment required, with possible 2 to 4 week August wait | Frequently available | Appointment generally required |
| Same-day HAR form completion | Yes | Yes, when an appointment is available | Limited. Confirm with the location. | Varies |
| Vaccines administered on-site | All required vaccines available | Generally available | Limited selection | Varies |
| Same-day sports physical | Yes | Yes, when an appointment is available | Sometimes | Rarely |
| Weekend hours | Saturday and Sunday at most locations | Rarely | Available at some locations | Rarely |
| Evening hours after 5 PM | Until 8 PM on weekdays at many locations | Rarely | Varies | Rarely |
| Medicaid and HUSKY accepted | Accepted at all locations | Usually accepted | Varies | Usually accepted |
| Chronic condition management | Integrated primary care available on-site | Available through the primary provider | Not generally available | Limited |
| Connecticut location network | More than 20 locations using one connected medical record | Usually one location | Multiple retail locations | Usually one location |
DOCS Locations for School Physicals in Connecticut
Walk-in school physicals are available at the following DOCS locations. Call ahead for sports physicals, large family visits, or confirmation of weekend availability.| City | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stamford | 2001 W Main St, Stamford, CT 06902 | (475) 549-1825 | Monday through Friday: 8 AM to 8 PM Saturday and Sunday: 8 AM to 4 PM |
| Norwalk | 677 Connecticut Ave, Norwalk, CT 06854 | (203) 298-9752 | Monday through Friday: 8 AM to 8 PM Saturday and Sunday: 8 AM to 4 PM |
| Bridgeport | 1677 E Main St, Bridgeport, CT 06608 | (203) 612-7929 | Monday through Friday: 8 AM to 8 PM |
| Danbury | 1 Padanaram Rd, Danbury, CT 06811 | (203) 874-3682 | Monday through Friday: 8 AM to 8 PM Saturday and Sunday: 8 AM to 4 PM |
| Waterbury Chase | 279 Chase Ave, Waterbury, CT 06704 | (203) 528-4993 | Monday through Friday: 8 AM to 8 PM Saturday and Sunday: 8 AM to 4 PM |
| Waterbury Frost | 506 Frost Rd, Waterbury, CT 06705 | (203) 437-8368 | Monday through Friday: 8 AM to 8 PM Saturday and Sunday: 10 AM to 2 PM |
| Orange | 521 Boston Post Rd, Orange, CT 06477 | (203) 298-4599 | Monday through Friday: 8 AM to 8 PM Saturday and Sunday: 8 AM to 4 PM |
| Stratford | 200 E Main St, Stratford, CT 06614 | (203) 923-2974 | Monday through Friday: 8 AM to 8 PM Saturday and Sunday: 8 AM to 4 PM |
| Fairfield | 525 Tunxis Hill Cut Off, Fairfield, CT 06825 | (475) 441-7809 | Monday through Friday: 8 AM to 8 PM Saturday and Sunday: 8 AM to 4 PM |
| Hamden | 1700 Dixwell Ave, Hamden, CT 06514 | (475) 441-7809 | Monday through Friday: 8 AM to 8 PM Saturday and Sunday: 8 AM to 4 PM |
| West Hartford | 983 New Britain Ave, West Hartford, CT 06110 | (860) 906-5225 | Monday through Friday: 8 AM to 8 PM |
| Monroe | 427 Main St, Monroe, CT 06468 | (203) 874-3682 | Monday through Friday: 8 AM to 8 PM Saturday and Sunday: 8 AM to 4 PM |
| Bethel | 6 Stony Hill Rd, Bethel, CT 06801 | (203) 408-6409 | Monday through Friday: 8 AM to 8 PM Saturday and Sunday: 8 AM to 4 PM |
| East Haven | 317 Foxon Rd, East Haven, CT 06513 | (475) 441-7809 | Monday through Friday: 8 AM to 8 PM Saturday and Sunday: 8 AM to 4 PM |
Frequently Asked Questions About School Physicals at DOCS
Do I need an appointment for a school physical at DOCS?
No appointment is required for most school physicals. Families may walk into any DOCS location during clinic hours. Calling ahead is recommended for sports physicals or when bringing multiple children.How long does a school physical take at DOCS?
Most school physicals take approximately 30 to 45 minutes. When vaccines are administered during the same visit, families should allow an additional 15 to 20 minutes. Bringing completed forms and vaccination records can help the visit proceed more quickly.Does DOCS complete the Connecticut HAR form?
Yes. DOCS board-certified physicians complete the medical portion of the Connecticut Health Assessment Record. This includes the HAR-3 blue form for Kindergarten, Grade 7, and Grade 10, and the yellow Early Childhood form for Pre-K.Can my child be seen without vaccination records?
Yes. DOCS may be able to check the Connecticut CT WiZ immunization registry to identify vaccines administered by participating providers. Bring any records available from other states or countries.Does DOCS accept Medicaid or HUSKY for school physicals?
Yes. DOCS accepts Medicaid, including HUSKY A, B, C, and D, at Connecticut locations for school physicals, sports physicals, and immunizations. Coverage and patient responsibility may vary by plan.Can my child complete a sports physical and school physical during the same visit?
Yes. When a student needs both examinations, DOCS can complete the school physical and the sports physical during one visit. Bring both forms to the appointment.What happens if my child needs vaccines with multiple doses?
Certain vaccines require multiple doses separated by weeks or months. Starting early provides more time to complete the series or prepare the documentation required for conditional school attendance.What options are available now that Connecticut does not accept religious exemptions?
Connecticut accepts qualifying medical exemptions rather than religious exemptions. The exemption must be signed by an appropriately licensed Connecticut physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse and submitted using the required state documentation.DOCS UR Health Membership: Affordable School Physicals for Every Family
No insurance? High deductible? DOCS UR Health membership provides urgent care and primary care access, including eligible school physicals and immunizations, through a flat monthly membership structure without traditional visit copays or surprise bills.
Individual, family, and employer group options are available.
Learn more: docsmedicalgroup.com/docsurgentcare/ur-health/
Do Not Let a Missing Physical Keep Your Child Out of School
Walk into a DOCS Medical Group location today. No appointment is required for most school physicals.
School physicals · Sports physicals · Required immunizations · HAR form completion
Find Your Location | Call: 203-URGENTC