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RediClinic Makes the Grade for Back to School
Immunizations, Physical Exams and Acne Treatment a Priority for Students this Year
July 8, 2009 (HOUSTON, TX) – With school opening soon, parents of school-aged children and teenagers should take steps now to make sure students are feeling and looking their best for the coming year. To smooth the way, RediClinic now offers several important health-related services, including the new state requirements for immunizations, physical exams and acne treatment.
Summer break is a great time to arrange physicals for students, especially for those involved in athletics who may be required to produce documentation of a physical before training begins. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends an annual physical for children through the age of six and then every other year, resuming an annual exam during middle school and teen years. A good school physical should include both a medical history and a physical examination to ensure early detection of any health-related issues.
Additionally, vaccines are the most effective protection against many diseases that threaten the health of children.
“The State of Texas recently updated immunization requirements for public school students,” said Debora Stepanik, Director of Clinical Services for RediClinic. “Parents should consult their child’s immunization records to ensure that they are up-to-date on requirements because those who are not run the risk of not being able to attend school.”
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services the new immunization requirements beginning August 1, 2009 include:
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Students Entering Kindergarten |
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2 doses of Hepatitis A vaccine |
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2 doses of Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine |
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2 doses of Varicella vaccine OR a written statement from a parent, school nurse or physician attesting to a child’s positive history of varicella disease |
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Students Entering 7th Grade |
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2 doses of Varicella vaccine OR a written statement from a parent, school nurse or physician attesting to a child’s positive history of varicella disease |
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1 dose of Tetanus, Diphtheria and Acellular Pertussis-containing vaccine (Tdap), and if it has been five years since their previous dose of a tetanus-containing vaccine, a booster dose of Tdap |
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1 dose of Meningococcal vaccine |
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Students in 8-10th Grade |
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Booster dose of Tetanus, Diphtheria and Acellular Pertussis-containing vaccine (Tdap) if it has been 10 years since their previous dose of a tetanus-containing vaccine |
Every parent knows that feeling good is only one element of a successful school experience. Looking good is a reality that goes well beyond having the right jeans or T-shirt. “Adolescents often are plagued with skin eruptions and acne that can put a damper on confidence,” said Debora Stepanik. For those students concerned about putting their best face forward on the first day of class, RediClinic now offers acne treatment.
Immunizations, physical exams and acne treatment are only a few of the services offered at your local RediClinic. The clinics are staffed by nurse practitioners and physician assistants who work with local physicians to diagnose, treat and prescribe medications for common conditions such as earaches, strep throat and upper respiratory infections. They also administer a wide range of preventive services, including health screenings, vaccinations and basic physical exams. No appointments are necessary, and visits usually take about 15 minutes.
RediClinic visits are covered by the five largest commercial health insurance carriers in Texas, Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield of Texas, CIGNA, Humana and UnitedHealthcare, and a growing number of other third-party payers including Medicare. For those who do not have health insurance or who are covered by a plan that does not have an agreement with RediClinic, all “Get Healthy” visits cost $75, including most instant diagnostic tests that may be required.
About RediClinic LLC
Since 1989, RediClinic has provided people with easy access to high-quality, affordable healthcare in retail outlets and at employer worksites. Today the company operates 21 clinics in H-E-B grocery stores in Houston and Austin, Texas. For more information about clinic locations, hours of operation, and services, visit www.rediclinic.com.
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