WOONSOCKET, R.I. — As the start of the new school year nears, MinuteClinic is positioning itself as a one-stop shop for back-to-school health care services for children and college-bound students.
The CVS Caremark Corp. subsidiary said Monday that physical exams and vaccines, sports physicals and acne treatment are among the many back-to-school-related services available at MinuteClinic walk-in clinics open seven days a week inside select CVS/pharmacy stores.
The health clinic operator noted in particular that most young adults beginning their freshmen year need to obtain a pre-college health exam and have their immunization record updated to protect against meningitis and other diseases.
"This time of year, we see a lot of young adults at MinuteClinic who are looking to get their required vaccinations and physicals before heading off to college or beginning pre-season sports practices," stated MinuteClinic president Andrew Sussman, who’s also senior vice president/associate chief medical officer at CVS Caremark. "Our walk-in service makes it easy for college-bound freshmen to come in and get their shots updated to protect against diseases such as tetanus and to obtain required immunizations they have not received previously, especially meningitis vaccines."
College students living in crowded dorms at schools with students from many geographically diverse areas are at highest risk for meningitis, MinuteClinic noted. Meningitis vaccinations at MinuteClinic are $147 and are often covered by insurance. Other vaccinations and tests often needed by young adults entering college and available at MinuteClinic include Tdap immunizations (Tetnus, Diptheria and Pertussis), flu shots and TB tests (tuberculosis).
Besides vaccines, MinuteClinic is offering college and sports physicals for $35 through Sept. 19. During the physical, MinuteClinic nurse practitioners and physician assistants measure height and weight, review health and immunization history, perform a simple exam to determine if the student is healthy and fit, and provide safety and health education tips.
Practitioners stamp college and athletic participation forms and reference the results provided on the official MinuteClinic patient summary. Copies of the summary can be faxed or mailed to primary care providers with patient permission. Typically this occurs within 24 hours.
Acne consultations are also offered at MinuteClinic for students who are looking to improve their skin condition before heading back to school. About 80% of preteens and teens develop acne during puberty, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. MinuteClinic practitioners counsel patients on proper skin care based on their skin type, make recommendations for over-the-counter acne remedies and, if clinically appropriate, prescribe topical antibiotics or retinoids for moderate cases. Exams and counseling for acne care are $69.
