As a parent, I vividly remember the busyness of the back-to-school season. It's easy for something to fall off the checklist in the rush toward the first day of classes.
In addition to supplies, many schools and colleges require health exams and vaccinations. As you prepare for back-to-school and enjoy the waning days of summer vacation, make sure you know your school’s or college’s health requirements.
Below, I answer common questions about back-to-school health and how our board-certified MinuteClinic® providers can help.
Back-to-school and sports physicals: a start to a healthy school year
What is the difference between back-to-school physicals and sports physicals?
Many schools and colleges require a physical exam before the school year begins. These are often referred to as “back-to-school physicals” and include general physical evaluations; measurements such as height, weight and blood pressure; and medical history and immunization review. Other tests, such as a vision test, may also be performed.
If your child is planning to join a sports team, they likely need a sports physical, or pre-participation physical examination (PPE). Sports physicals focus on making sure student athletes are healthy and physically prepared for the sport they choose. These exams focus specifically on physical fitness and injury prevention to ensure it's safe for a student to participate in athletic activities. Requirements vary based on rules set by the state, school or the sport’s governing body. To ensure a smooth appointment, please check the specific requirements and necessary forms ahead of time. This helps ensure all paperwork is properly completed and submitted.
What about college students?
Some colleges and universities require college physicals before a student can attend. These physicals include a physical health exam and medical history review with an emphasis on college readiness. Requirements are typically outlined during the admissions process. In addition to a college physical, consider assembling a dorm health kit, including over-the-counter pain medications, first aid kit with antibiotic ointment, band-aids, and other items your college-age student may need.
You can schedule an appointment at one of our MinuteClinic locations for a general medical exam, which can serve as a back-to-school physical. Sports physicals and college physicals are also available at MinuteClinic.
Are back-to-school, sports and college physicals the same as yearly wellness physicals?
No, each type of physical serves a distinct purpose. Yearly wellness physicals are the most comprehensive type of physical exam. MinuteClinic offers yearly wellness physicals for people aged 18 years and older.
Importance of keeping vaccines up to date
Why do many schools and colleges require vaccines?
Vaccines are highly effective at preventing the spread of infectious diseases, which can happen quickly in close quarters like classrooms and dorms. It’s why many schools, colleges and universities require certain vaccines—such as MMR, meningococcal disease, hepatitis B, and Tdap—to help prevent outbreaks. Before heading to the classroom or the campus, students should check their school’s specific vaccine requirements, as policies can vary by state and institution.MinuteClinic and CVS Pharmacy can help your child stay up to date on their vaccines.
MinuteClinic providers and CVS pharmacists can also answer questions about vaccines during any visit, even if your visit is not vaccine related.
Mental health support for students and parents
How can I support my child’s mental health, as well as my own?
While going back to school is an exciting time, the adjustment can also be stressful for both students and parents. Adolescents and teenagers are also at a higher risk for mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. Mental health counseling can help you or your child work through emotional, psychological and social challenges to improve well-being.
MinuteClinic offers counseling virtually for individuals aged 13 years and older in 49 states and in select metro areas.
Learn more about how MinuteClinic can support students’ health before and during the school year. You can also see a full list of the more than 190 health care services MinuteClinic offers, including preventive care and chronic condition management.
