Health Services FAQs

1.   Ideas for locating your immunization records (MMRs)

• Parents
• High school or previous college attended
• Family physician or pediatrician
• Health Department or clinic where vaccinated

2.   Can you send my immunization records to another university?

Yes, but you have to fill out our record release form.

• Fax, mail or drop it by the Health Center.
• We'll forward it to you or to your new school (tell us which you prefer).
• This can take up to seven business days.

3.   I graduated from UMSL and I need a copy of my immunizations. Do you still have a copy of them?

Possibly. We keep medical records for 7 years. Please contact us at 314-516-5671.

4.   What is the MMR vaccine?

Measles, Mumps and Rubella:

• They are serious diseases and before vaccines they were very common, especially among children.
• These diseases spread from person to person through the air. You can easily catch them by being around someone who is already infected.
• Learn more at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

5.   Why should I be vaccinated against Meningococcal disease?

• Missouri state law requires all campus residents to be vaccinated against Meningitis.
• Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial illness.
• It is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children 2 through 18 years old in the United States. Meningitis is an infection of the covering of the brain and the spinal cord.
• Anyone can get meningococcal disease. But it is most common in infants less than one year of age and people 16-21 years.
• College freshmen living in dormitories are at an increased risk for this disease.
• Learn more at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 

6.   Is there a cost for allergy injections?

Yes- $10 for each visit.

7.   How do I get my allergy injections started?

• Make an appointment with Health Services for Allergy Injection consultation.
• Have your allergist send the antigen to us or bring it with you to your first visit.
• Review our Allergy Injection Information before your visit.

8.   Why do I have to wait in the Health Center for 30 minutes after an allergy injection?

Most reactions to allergy shots happen within the first 30 minutes of receiving the injection. If you have a reaction after an allergy shot, we have epinephrine available and will call for emergency services when necessary.

9.   How do I know if I'm in the high-risk category for TB?

TB screening is mandatory if you fall in one of the following high-risk categories:

• You are from or have lived for two months or more in Asia, Africa, Central America, South America or Eastern Europe.
• You have been diagnosed with a chronic medical condition that may impair your immune system.
• You are a health care worker.
• You are a volunteer or employee of a nursing home, prison or other residential institution.
• You have had recent contact with an active TB case.

10.   What is TB and its risk factors?

• Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by germs spread from person to person through the air.
• TB usually affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, the kidneys or the spine.
• A person with TB can die if they do not get treatment.
• Learn more at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 

11.   How do you test for TB?

• If you are a foreign-born student or a student who has lived outside the United States for more than two months, UMSL policy requires you be screened for TB.
• Unless you have documentation of a positive TB test, you are required to complete a TB test in the U. S.

12.   What does it mean if my TB test comes back positive?

This simply means that somewhere, sometime, you were exposed to someone with TB. Further testing will be required.

13.   Why do I have to meet UMSL's Immunization policy?

There will be a hold placed on your MyView account resulting in registration delays.

14.   Is there a cost for immunizations?

Yes- we offer immunizations to students by appointment. Immunization prices range from $20 to $110.  Please call 314-516-5671 for pricing information. 

15.   Does my insurance cover any costs from Health Services?

No- Health Services does not bill insurance. We accept cash, check or student account as forms of payment.

16.   Can my friends and family schedule appointments at the Health Center?

• Only if they are UMSL students.
• Our services are for UMSL students only.
• We will be happy to refer your friends and family to a local clinic.

1.   Do I have to call ahead? Why can't I just walk in and be seen?

The Student Health Center is just like your doctor's office. In order to serve all students efficiently, we require you schedule an appointment instead of walking in. This helps us maximize the amount of time you get to spend with your provider, while minimizing the amount of time you spend waiting.

Students who call ahead to schedule an appointment are typically seen that same day or the following day.

2.   What health information should I bring to UMSL?

• Student ID card or driver’s license
• Past medical problems or surgeries
• Medications you are currently taking
• A list of drug, food or environmental allergies
• Family medical history (i.e. cancer, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease)

3.   What if I have a chronic medical condition?

• Make an appointment by calling 314-516-5671.
• Establish a relationship with one of our providers (to maintain continuity of care).
• Send relevant medical records to the Health Center, addressed Attention: Health Services.

4.   Who will I see for my appointment?

• Certified nurse practitioner
• Physician assistant
• Registered medical assistant
• Licensed psychologists (Counseling Services)

5.   What is the class excuse policy?

• The Health Center views class attendance as an administrative matter between the student and the faculty member.
• If a student misses class while in the Health Center, they should ask their provider for visit proof during their appointment. Our providers do not write excuses for classes or exams missed due to illness.

6.   Can I get a copy of my medical records sent to my new provider?

Yes, but you have to fill out our record release form.

• Fax, mail or complete a release form in the Health Center.
• We'll forward your records to specified recipient.
• This can take up to seven business days.

7. Current students can also schedule appointments on the patient portal located to the right of the screen!

1.   Will my parents be notified of my Health Center visit?

No -

• Students 18 years and older are viewed as individuals with the right to confidential health care.
• Staff will not release any information without student consent.
• Charges on your student account read as a “Student Health charge” only.