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Finding the Back-to-School Care Your Family Needs

  • 4 minute read.
  • Last Updated: 7/31/2026

As kids head back to school, there are three common health hurdles many families face:  

  1. Getting prepared for the school year 
  2. Overcoming unexpected sicknesses 
  3. Recovering from injuries  

      At Covenant Health, we have primary care, urgent care and therapy services to support you through each of these challenges.  

      Smiling young boy with a backpack holds an apple while standing in front of a yellow school bus on a sunny day.

      Getting School Ready: Covenant Health Primary Care 

      Before the school year begins, a visit to your primary care provider (PCP) can help ensure your child is ready for a healthy and successful year. 

      Primary care providers offer: 

      • Wellness visits 
      • Annual checkups 
      • School and sports physicals 
      • Vaccine requirements for school attendance 
      • Tests for common illnesses 

      They can also help manage chronic conditions such as asthma or allergies and answer other health-related questions before students return to the classroom. 

      “The start of the school year is a great time for families to schedule wellness visits and school physicals,” says Jeff McMichael, MD, primary care physician at Covenant Health’s FamilyCare Specialists. “These appointments help ensure children are healthy, meeting developmental milestones and prepared for a successful school year.”  

      Primary care providers can also help families understand Tennessee’s school immunization requirements and provide any necessary medical documentation. Depending on a child’s age and grade level, common vaccine requirements may include:  

      • MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) – Protects against measles, mumps and rubella 
      • Varicella Vaccine – Protects against chickenpox 
      • Polio Vaccine (IPV) – Protects against polio 
      • Hepatitis B Vaccine – Protects against hepatitis B 
      • DTaP Vaccine – Protects against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough) 
      • Hepatitis A Vaccine – Protects against hepatitis A

      Getting Sick Unexpectedly: Covenant Health Urgent Care and Walk-in Locations 

      Unfortunately, illnesses and minor injuries can occur throughout the school year. Students spend more time in classrooms, sports practices and extracurricular activities. 

      Common back-to-school illnesses include respiratory viruses, strep throat and other contagious conditions that can spread quickly. 

      Our urgent care and walk-in providers frequently treat: 

      • Flu and flu-like illnesses 
      • Strep throat 
      • Common colds 
      • COVID-19 
      • Ear infections 
      • Minor injuries and cuts 

      “When children develop symptoms such as fever, sore throat, cough or ear pain, urgent care can provide quick evaluation and treatment. Families can get answers and children can start feeling better as soon as possible,” shares Andrew Herda, MD, medical director of urgent care services at Covenant Health.  

      Covenant Health urgent care and walk-in locations offer a convenient option for same-day care when a condition needs prompt attention but is not life-threatening. These locations also offer school and sports physicals. This is a convenient option for families who need an appointment on short notice or prefer to walk in without scheduling ahead. 

      Getting Injured During Sports and Activities: Covenant Health Therapy Centers 

      No matter the sport, injuries are common and can happen throughout the school year. 

      When an injury or pain occurs, Covenant Health Therapy Centers can help people of all ages recover safely and get back to the activities they enjoy.  

      Common conditions treated include: 

      • Shoulder injuries 
      • Sprains and strains 
      • Overuse injuries 
      • Knee and ankle injuries 
      • Sports-related pain 

      “Many sports injuries can be effectively treated with physical therapy,” explains Matt Magee, PT, MBA, Certified MDT, Astym Certified, director of therapy services for Covenant Health Therapy Centers. “Our goal is not only to help patients recover, but also to improve strength, mobility and movement patterns to prevent future injuries.”  

      Therapy and rehabilitation services can help students safely return to sports, physical activity and daily routines while reducing the risk of reinjury. Most insurance plans allow patients to self-refer for therapy services without a physician referral. This makes it easier for kids to begin treatment and get back to the activities they enjoy. 

      Trusted Health Partner  

      Whether you need primary care, urgent care, therapy services or emergency care, our team is here to support your family every step of the way. At Covenant Health, we offer a full range of services to meet your health needs throughout every stage of life. 

      Learn more about our services and find a location near you today.  

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