It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And in the midst of buying ALL THOSE SCHOOL SUPPLIES, you may overlook some of your back to school health requirements. This list will help you figure out what you need—and where you can get it (even at the last minute).
School and Sports Physicals
New to Nashville? All children initially entering Metro schools must have a health examination. Is your child planning to play sports? Join the marching band? The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) requires a pre-participation physical.
Your child’s pediatrician will be able to perform these physicals, but a walk-in clinic might be a time-saving alternative. CVS MinuteClinic, The Little Clinic at Kroger, and Walgreens are staffed by Board-Certified Nurse Practitioners or Physician Assistants. In addition to treating minor injuries and illnesses, they perform physicals, administer vaccines (see below), and transcribe vaccination records.
Time Saving Tips:
- Beat the rush. On an average Tuesday, you can walk in and out of a clinic in 30 minutes. Wait times may be hours on the day before the deadline.
- Bring your paperwork. Have your child’s health history form completed before arrival at the clinic. Find the form here: http://tssaa.org/physical-forms/.
- Some clinics schedule appointments or allow you to reserve your spot in line. Visit their websites for more information.
- Review your child’s vaccine history. And bring forms to the clinic if you need transcription.
CVS MinuteClinic
- Cost: $49.00 until September 11, 2017 (normally $69.00).
- Walk-in, no appointment necessary. Visit https://www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/clinic-locator to schedule an appointment or reserve a spot.
- HOURS:
- Monday- Friday from 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Closed for lunch from 1:00 PM- 1:59 PM.
- Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM. Closed for lunch from 1:00 PM- 1:30 PM.
- Sunday 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM. Closed for lunch from 1:00 PM- 1:30 PM.
- Physicals for children 18 months and older.
- Insurance not accepted for physicals at MinuteClinic. Payment due at time of visit.
- If your child has a history of any type of heart problem, heart condition, or an episode or event related to their heart, MinuteClinic requires documentation from their primary care or treating physician stating the condition has been evaluated and does not prevent participation in sports.
The Little Clinic (inside Select Krogers)
- Cost: $33.00 until August 30, 2017 (normally $39.00).
- Walk-in, no appointment necessary.
- We’ll Hold Your Spot – Kroger knows the value of your time. So they even hold your spot! Visit https://www.thelittleclinic.com/storeLocator?hash=findStoreLink and enter your zip code. This shows the nearby clinics and their estimated wait time. To hold your spot? Click “We’ll Hold Your Spot” and fill out the pre-registration.
- HOURS:
- Monday- Friday from 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM. Provider lunch from approx. 1:30 PM- 2:15 PM.
- Saturday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Provider lunch from approx. 1:30 PM- 2:00 PM.
- Sunday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Provider lunch from approx. 1:30 PM- 2:00 PM.
- Insurance not accepted for physicals at The Little Clinic. Payment due at time of visit. Cash, credit card, and check accepted.
- Photo ID required for registration.
- Clinic treats children age 1 year and older.
Walgreens
- Cost: $60.00
- Walk-in, no appointment necessary. Visit https://www.walgreens.com/pharmacy/scheduler/scheduler_home.jsp to schedule an appointment.
- HOURS vary by location. Be sure to check the website.
- Monday- Friday from 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Closed for 40 minutes between 1 and 2 pm.
- Saturday 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM. Closed for 40 minutes between 1 and 2 pm.
- Sunday 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM. Closed for 40 minutes between 1 and 2 pm.
- Physicals not covered by most insurance plans. Payment requested at time of service.
- Clinic treats children ages 18 months and older.
Vaccinations
The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) has immunization requirements for children attending child care, pre-school, school, and college. Find requirements in the Tennessee Department of Health Rules.
Vaccines can be obtained at your pediatrician’s office, the local health department, CVS MinuteClinic, The Little Clinic, and Walgreens walk-in clinics—as well as at many local pharmacies.
FYI: TennCare patients under the age of 19 years are required by law to receive all vaccines from their Primary Care Provider or the Health Department.
Infant to Pre-K
According to the TDH, “infants entering child care facilities must be up to date at the time of enrollment and are required to provide an updated certificate after completing all of the required vaccines due no later than 18 months of age.”
- Hepatitis B (HBV)
- Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, or DT if appropriate)
- Poliomyelitis (IPV or OPV)
- Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) – for child under the age of 5 years
- Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) – for child under the age of 5 years
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
- 1 dose of each, normally given together as MMR
- Varicella
- 1 dose or credible history of chicken pox
- Given after 1st birthday
- Hepatitis A – 1 dose, required by 18 months of age or older
Kindergarten
- Hepatitis B (HBV)
- Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, or DT if appropriate)
- Poliomyelitis (IPV or OPV) – final dose on or after the 4th birthday
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
- 2 doses of each, usually given together as MMR
- First dose must be given after the 1st birthday, and with at least 30 days between the first and second doses
- Varicella
- 2 doses or credible history of chicken pox
- Hepatitis A – total of 2 doses, spaced at least 6 – 18 months apart
7th grade (including currently enrolled students)
- Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis booster (Tdap)
- evidence of one Tdap dose given any time before 7th grade entry is required regardless of Td history
- Varicella
- 2 doses or credible history of chicken pox
- Meningococcal (MCV4) – Recommended
- Meningococcal ACWY protects against 4 strains of meningitis, a serious bacterial infection transmitted by exchanging saliva.
- Meningitis can cause serious complications such as brain damage, paralysis, gangrene, or deafness. One in ten who get meningitis will die.
- MCV4 is recommended for children ages 11-18
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)– Recommended
- Protects against a group of more than 150 related viruses that are transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact. These viruses can cause cervical and other cancers, and genital warts.
- Gardasil 9 is recommended for males and females age 9-26
New to Tennessee?
Children who are new enrollees in a TN school in grades other than Kindergarten or 7th must be vaccinated against
- Hepatitis B (HBV)
- Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, or DT if appropriate)
- Poliomyelitis (IPV or OPV) – final dose on or after the 4th birthday
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – 2 doses of each, normally given together as MMR
- Varicella – 2 doses or credible history of disease
- New students entering grades other than 7th grade are not required to have Tdap
College*
*Requirements may vary depending on the school and program.
- Hepatitis B (HBV) – if training involves direct patient care
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella – 2 doses of each, normally given together as MMR
- Varicella – 2 doses or credible history of disease
- Meningococcal and Meningococcal B – Recommended
- Meningococcal ACWY protects against 4 strains of meningitis, a serious bacterial infection transmitted by exchanging saliva.
- Meningitis can cause serious complications such as brain damage, paralysis, gangrene, or deafness. One in ten who get meningitis will die.
- MCV4 recommended for children ages 11-18
- Meningococcal B recommended for adolescents ages 16-23
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)– Recommended
- Protects against a group of more than 150 related viruses that are transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact. These viruses can cause cervical and other cancers, and genital warts.
Immunization Certificate
A Tennessee Department of Health Immunization Certificate is required for all students entering the Metro Public School system. Obtained this certificate at your Pediatrician’s office, your local health department, or at the aforementioned walk-in clinics.
Need your child’s vaccine history transcribed at a walk-in clinic? If their history is not already entered into the Tennessee Immunization System (TENNIIS), you must bring their shot records. Visit Tennessee Immunization Record Request for more information.
Resources:
http://www.tn.gov/health/article/childcare-12th-grade-immunization-requirements
http://www.nashville.gov/Health-Department/School-Health/School-Health-Immunizations.aspx
