Frequently Asked Questions

1. If a student is sick, do you notify his/her parents?
   
   Medical confidentiality laws require that patients 18 years of age and older sign a release form giving permission to release medical information about individual situations.  Whenever the Health Center sees a student who seems to be particularly ill with any condition besides a minor one (such as colds, allergies, sprains, rashes, minor infections etc.), we ask students to sign a release form so we can communicate our concerns to campus staff and/or to the patient's family.
   
   
2. Is the meningitis vaccine required? How much does it cost? How can a student get one?
   
   Meningitis vaccine is highly recommended but not required. Students age 18 years and under should contact the Health Center to schedule an appointment to receive the vaccination for free. Students age 19 and older should contact the Health Center for information about the availability and cost of vaccination.
   
   
3. Can a student get allergy shots at the Health Center?
   
   No. We can provide information about allergists close to the university where students can go to get allergy shots.
   
   
4. When a student gets sick, do you see him/her that same day?
   
   The Health Center makes every effort to see patients as soon as possible. If no appointments are available, the nurse will speak to the student about specific symptoms and determine if he/she can safely wait to be seen for another day or so. If not, he/she will be worked into the schedule that day or referred for outside urgent or emergency services.
   
   
5. How does a student find Student Health Insurance information (such as providers, facilities, coverage)?
   
   Insurance brochures are available at the Health Center, East Hall, (512) 448-8686 (on campus x8686) or online at the Health Center's website or at www.AHPCare.com/stedwards