MinuteClinic Offers Vaccinations and Sports Physicals as Students and Parents Prepare for Back to School

WOONSOCKET, R.I., Aug. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- MinuteClinic walk-in medical clinics inside select CVS/pharmacy stores are making it easy to send kids back to school healthy by offering adolescent vaccinations and sports physicals seven days a week, with no appointment necessary.

Immunizations are an important part of public health, and state laws often require students to be vaccinated to protect them and others against certain diseases.  Parents who have questions about immunization requirements and recommendations can bring their child to see a MinuteClinic nurse practitioner or physician assistant to learn what vaccinations might be needed.

"It's important to check," says Paulette Thabault, MinuteClinic Chief Nurse Practitioner Officer. "You might assume that your child is up-to-date with their shots, but immunization laws change and can vary among states and age levels.  Vaccinations or boosters are often required before middle school, high school or college. Our practitioners have the information you need and make it easy for parents to stay on top of immunization schedules."

MinuteClinic offers vaccines for pertussis (whooping cough), which is now required in California for all students entering 7th through 12th grade; meningitis, which is required for both secondary school and college in many states; and Human Papillomavirus (HPV), among others.

Vaccines are often covered by insurance but patients should check with their insurance company prior to visiting MinuteClinic to verify coverage of the specific vaccination as well as any co-pays, co-insurance or deductibles.

With fall sports practices about to begin, MinuteClinic also offers sports physicals for students who need pre-participation exams often required by many states, school systems, and athletic leagues. During the visit, MinuteClinic practitioners review medical history and check to see if immunizations are up to date; check vital signs and reflexes; provide and an overall assessment of physical condition to make sure the child is not at risk for illness or injury; and also offer educational tips about the importance of stretching, hydrating and avoiding overexertion. Physicals are also offered to college students who need them as part of pre-admission requirements. Sports and college physicals, which are not covered by insurance, are $39 through Sept. 30, 2011 at MinuteClinic.

MinuteClinic practitioners specialize in family health care and can diagnose, treat and write prescriptions for common family illnesses such as strep throat and ear, eye, sinus, bladder and bronchial infections. Minor wounds, abrasions and joint sprains are also treated. In addition to vaccinations and camp, sports and college physicals, MinuteClinic offers a series of wellness services designed to help patients identify lifestyle changes needed to improve their health, including screenings and monitoring for diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

About MinuteClinic

MinuteClinic is a division of CVS Caremark Corporation (NYSE: CVS), the largest pharmacy health care provider in the United States. MinuteClinic launched the first retail health care centers in the United States in 2000 and is the first provider to establish a national presence, with nearly 600 locations in 26 states and the District of Columbia. By creating a health care delivery model that responds to consumer demand, MinuteClinic makes access to high-quality medical treatment easier for more Americans. Nationally, the company has generated more than 10 million patient visits, with a 95% customer satisfaction rating. MinuteClinic consistently brings innovation to the marketplace and sets new standards for clinical quality that exceed national guidelines. MinuteClinic is the first retail health care provider to receive accreditation (2006) and reaccreditation (2009) from The Joint Commission, the national evaluation and certifying agency for nearly 15,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. For more information, visit www.MinuteClinic.com.

Sports and college physicals and vaccines for children under 18 are not available in Massachusetts.

SOURCE MinuteClinic

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers

9k+
Digital Media
Outlets

270k+
Journalists
Opted In

GET STARTED