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The Health Services Office is located in
the Gymnasium Building off the main foyer. During the academic year a full-time
nurse practitioner, two part-time practitioners, and a part-time physician staff
the office. Office hours are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.;
Wednesday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. During the summer months
when the Health Services Office is closed, emergencies are referred to College
Police.
Services include acute and routine medical care,
health screenings, immunizations, allergy injections and specialty referral.
Treatment is completely confidential. Students’ health history forms remain
on file in this office, health insurance brochures and claim forms are
available.
Health Forms and Immunization
Each full-time undergraduate and graduate student,
and all full and part-time students in health science programs involving
patient contact (Nursing, Occupational Therapy, and Communication Sciences
and Disorders) must present evidence of immunization in order to register
for classes.
Massachusetts law specifies the following immunizations: 1) at
least one dose of mumps and rubella vaccine(s) given at or after 12 months
of age; 2) two doses of live measles vaccine given at least one month apart
beginning at or after 12 months of age; 3) a booster dose of
tetanus/diphtheria within the last ten years; and 4) three doses of
Hepatitis B vaccine. Effective August 2005, all new, full and part-time,
undergraduate and graduate students in a degree-granting program must be
immunized with the Meningococcal vaccine within the last 5 years or the
student/parent/legal guardian may sign the Meningococcal Information and
Waiver Form developed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. All
international students must have proof of a negative mantoux test performed
in the USA. In the case of positive test results evidence of a negative
chest x-ray is required. Tetanus immunization, MMR immunization, Hepatitis B
immunization and mantoux testing are available at Student Health Services
free of charge, for accepted students. A copy of an immunization record from
a school in the Commonwealth indicating receipt of the required
immunizations may be presented; or in the case of measles, mumps, or
rubella, laboratory evidence of immunity. The law provides for medical
and/or religious exemptions. Provision is also made to allow students to
register on condition that the required immunizations are obtained within
thirty days of registration. The exception to the aforementioned is the
meningitis requirement which needs to be obtained at least two weeks prior
to the beginning of classes.
Students must submit the Worcester State University Report of Medical
History form, completed by a physician, in order to register for classes.
All resident students must have a complete Worcester State University Health
Form in order to move into the residence halls.
Health Insurance
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires that
students must be covered by health insurance under their own policy or
purchase the Worcester State University health insurance plan. Health
insurance is required for undergraduate students if they register for nine
(9) or more semester hours of credit. Coverage for graduate students is
required if they register for seven (7) or more semester hours of credit.
At the time of fall and spring registration, all
students will be enrolled in and charged for the Worcester State University
Student Health Insurance Program. Students who do not wish to participate in
the College’s plan must return the completed waiver request form that is
enclosed with their bill. They may also waive the insurance on-line at
www.universityhealthplans.com. Both the completed waiver
form and proof of insurance coverage should be returned with payment of
their bill to the Bursar’s Office. Students who enroll only in summer
session classes are not required to participate.