SPRINGFIELD, IL – Children entering pre-k, kindergarten, 6 th or 9 th grade, or who are new to Springfield Public School District 186, are required to have school physicals and immunizations. Meningococcal vaccines are also required for all students entering 12 th grade. Parents are encouraged to schedule appointments with their children’s primary care doctor or physician. Families who do not have a primary care doctor or who have difficulty accessing medical care may benefit from free clinics held in August. “Having a primary care physician and a medical home is crucial for prevention and