Kroger Health offers back-to-school physicals, vaccinations to prevent infectious diseases.

Kroger Health is offering tips for a healthy school year, emphasizing the importance of back-to-school physicals and routine vaccinations to protect against serious illnesses. Board-certified nurse practitioners at The Little Clinic, located inside Kroger stores, provide comprehensive physical exams, medical history reviews, and age-specific screenings. Staying up-to-date on recommended vaccines is key to preventing the spread of infectious diseases.

As families prepare for the upcoming school year, Kroger Health, the healthcare division of The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), is offering valuable tips to ensure a healthy start. Colleen Lindholz, president of Kroger Health, underscores the importance of preventive care, noting that a back-to-school physical ensures students are ready for the classroom and provides an opportunity to catch up on routine vaccinations [1].

Kroger Health's The Little Clinic, located inside Kroger Family of Stores across eight states, offers comprehensive back-to-school physicals. These services include a thorough physical exam, review of medical history, and age-specific screenings. The clinic's board-certified nurse practitioners are dedicated to helping students get ready for the school year [1].

Staying current on recommended vaccines is crucial to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Families can consult healthcare providers, Kroger Family of pharmacists, or The Little Clinic nurse practitioners to understand which vaccines their children should receive. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children receive routine vaccinations to protect against serious illnesses such as measles, mumps, and rubella [2].

The CDC has reported a decline in U.S. kindergarten vaccination rates and an increase in the number of children with exemptions. In the 2024-25 school year, the vaccination rate for measles-mumps-rubella shots was 92.5%, down from 95% before the COVID-19 pandemic. The exemption rate reached an all-time high of 4.1%, with most exemptions being nonmedical [2].

In addition to routine vaccinations, maintaining a healthy diet, ensuring a good night's rest, and incorporating physical activity are essential for a healthy school year. Kroger's The Fresh Lane blog offers A+ back-to-school recipes to help families maintain a balanced diet. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that elementary school-aged children get nine to twelve hours of sleep per night to recharge and get ready for the next day [1].

Kroger Health emphasizes the importance of preventive care and routine checkups to support a child's overall health. By combining preventive care, healthy habits, and routine checkups, families can feel confident that their children are ready for a strong start to the school year [1].

For more information or to schedule a back-to-school physical or vaccination appointment, families can visit www.krogerhealth.com or stop by The Little Clinic inside select Kroger Family of Stores.

References:
[1] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kroger-health-shares-back-to-school-health-tips-for-families-302519690.html
[2] https://abc7.com/post/us-childhood-vaccination-rates-fall-exemptions-set-another-record/17388577/