Health Screening for Primary School

Health Screening in Primary Schools

The school health team visits primary schools annually to conduct health screening of students.

Child's Medical Information

It is important that you provide your child's updated medical information prior to the school health visit. All information provided will be kept strictly confidential and will only be used by HPB in the management of your child's health^.

^The information may be placed into a database known as the Electronic Medical Records (EMR) System and the National Electronic Health Records (NEHR). The information may also be collated and used for national public health policy planning, ethically approved research, official reports and publications. Full confidentiality is ensured, i.e., your child's identity will not be revealed.

Summary of Health Conditions Screened in Primary School Students

Details on Immunisations

As part of the National Childhood Immunisation Programme, your child will be given the Tetanus, reduced diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap) booster in P5. 

Additionally, if they were noted to have missed any of the *compulsory vaccinations in childhood, they may be administered these during the annual school health visits as well.

Please note that *Diphtheria and Measles vaccinations are compulsory by law.

Details on Conditions Screened

Vision Screening

Good vision is very important for your child who is learning and growing. Early detection and correction of vision issues ensures that your child's learning will not be affected.

School children are screened for myopia (short-sightedness). Your child will be required to read off a chart, from a pre-determined distance to check his/her eyesight.

If your child requires further assessment of his vision, an appointment will be given for him/her to be reviewed by either a qualified optometrist or optician in the community. Your child may also be referred to HPB's Student Health Centre - Refraction Clinic to be reviewed by our optometrist. In HPB's Student Health Centre – Refraction Clinic, the optometrist may instil eyedrops to improve the accuracy of your child's eye examination.

Please refer to Advisory on Vision Screening. This advisory provides information on signs and symptoms which may suggest that further assessment of your child/ward's vision may be required.

Screening for Squint

A squint, also known as strabismus, is a condition where the eyes are not looking in the same direction. While one eye looks straight ahead, the squinting eye may turn inwards or outwards. A squint can also be vertical with one eye higher than the other. Squints can be present all the time or be intermittent. 

It can result in defective vision if left untreated. If your child is noted to have a possible squint during health screening, he/she may be referred to the Student Health Centre for further assessment.

Hearing Screening

Hearing issues may affect learning. Early detection and correction of hearing issues ensure that your child's learning will not be affected.

Your child will be asked to put on headphones and have his hearing tested with an audiometer. If he/she cannot hear all or some of the sounds, his/her ear may be examined and he/she may be referred for further assessment.

Please refer to the Advisory on the hearing test. The advisory lists signs and symptoms which may suggest that further assessment of your child's hearing is advisable.

Growth and Development Assessment

The height and weight of your child will be checked to see if he/she is growing well. Growth charts are used to compare his/her height and weight with those of other children of the same age.

If required, a referral will be given for your child for further assessment.

Medical Check-up

Health conditions checked include:

• Slow growth and development 
• For Primary 5 girls; Spinal screening for Curved Spine (Scoliosis) (Refer to section i for details)
• Other developmental problems

i) Spinal Screening for Curved Spine (Scoliosis)

Scoliosis is a condition where the normally straight spine curves to form an "S" shape or "C" shape. This is a deformity of the spine and should not be confused with poor posture.

This screening is for Primary 5 and 6 girls only as this condition is more common in girls at this age.

Before screening for scoliosis commences, female students will be briefed on the importance and process of the check. Each female student will be examined by a female doctor or nurse within an enclosed cubicle for privacy.

During the check-up, your child will be asked to face her back to the female doctor or nurse before being asked to remove her top. Your child's back will be examined from behind while standing upright and while bending forward so that the doctor or nurse can screen for abnormal curvature of the backbone (Forward Bending Test). If further assessment is required, your child will be referred to the Student Health Centre at the Health Promotion Board.

Please access this Scoliosis Information Pamphlet for more information on Curved Spine (Scoliosis)

Review of Health Conditions Where Applicable

Any specific conditions detected during previous school health visits will be reviewed in subsequent school health visits as necessary.

Please note that the school annual health screen provides screening for specific conditions only.

Do bring your child to see your family doctor if you have any concerns about your child's health.

Visit Parent Hub, for more useful tips and guides to give your child a healthy start.

Download the HealthHub app on Google Play or Apple Store to access more health and wellness advice at your fingertips.

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