Essentia Health to Host Walk-In Sports Physicals and Immunization Blitzes in Late July

To help student-athletes prepare for the quickly approaching 2025-26 sports season, Essentia Health will offer additional walk-in sports physical and immunization blitzes the last week of July.

Blitzes will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, July 28, through Friday, Aug. 1, at the Essentia Health-South University Clinic and the Essentia Health-The Lights West Fargo Clinic.

Vaccinations will also be available, and the clinics are open for those up to age 18.

Sports physicals are required for children to compete in school sports and can help identify any health issues that might interfere with sports performance or increase the chances of injury. Most states, including North Dakota and Minnesota, require that student-athletes have a sports physical before they can start a new sport (including any practices) or begin a new competitive season. A sports physical is valid for one year in North Dakota and three years in Minnesota. Forms are available online at ndhsaa.com (North Dakota) and mshsl.org (Minnesota).

A sports physical can be completed on its own or as part of a well-child/teen visit. Especially in advance of the next school year, well-child/teen visits are a great opportunity to review your child’s health in all areas — growth, cognitive and social development, illness prevention, mental health and more.

Athletes are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. Sports physicals are $57 if not using insurance. If completing a well-child/teen visit in addition to a sports physical, visits are generally covered by most insurance companies. Please contact yours to check on coverage. Students do not need to be Essentia patients.

Appointments are encouraged but not required. Please call (701) 364-8900 to schedule. Walk-ins are welcome.