MinuteClinic Medical Walk-in Clinics at Select CVS/pharmacy Stores Offer One-Stop Shopping For Back-to-School Services

WOONSOCKET, R.I., Aug. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- It's time for back-to-school physicals and immunizations, but it's not just for children. 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.  College physicals and vaccines, sports physicals and acne treatment are among the many back-to-school-related services available at MinuteClinic medical walk-in clinics open seven days a week inside select CVS/pharmacy stores throughout the country. No appointment is necessary.

"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," said Andrew Sussman, M.D., President, MinuteClinic and Senior Vice President/Associate Chief Medical Officer, 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, a bacterial infection that progresses rapidly and can have serious consequences.  Meningitis vaccinations at MinuteClinic are $147 and are often covered by insurance, less any co-pay or deductible. 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). Immunization requirements vary by state and school and students must be at least 18 years of age to receive vaccines at MinuteClinic locations in Massachusetts.

In addition to vaccines, MinuteClinic offers a range of other services geared to help kids get ready to go back to school.  For example, MinuteClinic provides college and sports physicals for $35 through Sept. 19, 2010. 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.

Additional charges may apply for more thorough exam requirements. Insurance is not accepted for physical exams. Requirements for physicals vary by state and services are not available in Nevada and Massachusetts

Acne consultations are also offered at MinuteClinic for students who are looking to improve their skin condition before heading back to school. About 80 percent of preteens and teens develop acne during puberty, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).  MinuteClinic practitioners counsel patients on proper skin care based on their skin type, make recommendations for over-the-counter (OTC) acne remedies and, if clinically appropriate, prescribe topical antibiotics or retinoids for moderate cases. Exams and counseling for acne care are $69 and most insurance is accepted.

MinuteClinic practitioners specialize in family health care and are trained to 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 treated, and common vaccinations such as influenza, tetanus, pneumovax and Hepatitis A & B are available at most locations. In addition, MinuteClinic administers a series of wellness services designed to help consumers identify lifestyle changes needed to improve their current and future health, including screenings and monitoring for diabetes, hypertension and obesity.

More information and a list of MinuteClinic locations, go to www.minuteclinic.com.

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 approximately 500 locations in 26 states and the District of Columbia. By creating a health care delivery model that responds to patient needs, MinuteClinic makes access to high-quality medical treatment easier for more Americans. Nationally, the company has generated more than 7.5 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 the national guidelines established for store-based clinics. 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.

SOURCE MinuteClinic