MinuteClinics: School vaccines, physicals

WOONSOCKET, R.I., Aug. 23 (UPI) -- U.S. pharmacy chains are offering back-to-school vaccines and sports physicals seven days a week with no appointment, company officials say.

"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," Paulette Thabault, chief nurse practitioner officer at MinuteClinic in select CVS/pharmacy stores, says in a statement. "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, in select CVS/pharmacy stores -- as well as clinics in select Walgreens and Rite Aids -- also offers vaccines for pertussis, also known as whooping cough, which are required in California for all students entering seventh through 12th grade.

Take Care Clinic nurse practitioners and physician assistants at select Walgreens, the MinuteClinics and the Rite Aid clinics administer school-age vaccines including Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis); meningitis; chicken pox; measles, mumps, rubella; and human papillomavirus.

Also offered are sports and college physicals -- not covered by health insurance -- required by many states, school systems and athletic leagues. They cost under $40 through Sept. 30 at the clinics.