Health Services

Your health and safety are essential to a successful college experience. This guide outlines the core immunizations recommended for university students, particularly those living in residence halls or participating in close-contact campus activities. Staying up to date on vaccines protects your well-being and helps maintain a safe environment for the entire university community.

Vaccine Mandate: Ohio Department of Health requires all residential students to submit proof of Meningococcal and Hepatitis B vaccinations or a signed waiver.

Hep B and Meningococcal Waiver

Checklist to understand which vaccines are important 

Get Vaccinated Yearly: The vaccine is your primary defense against influenza. Health Services provides flu shots to students, faculty, and staff starting in late September and throughout the season.

Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently. Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue. Avoid touching your face.

Disinfect Shared Surfaces: Regularly clean high-touch objects. This includes keyboards, doorknobs, desks, light switches, and phones.

Stay Home When Sick: Follow CDC guidance. Stay home until your symptoms improve and you are fever-free for at least 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication. 

Note: Some individuals may experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea during a flu illness. However, these gastrointestinal symptoms are significantly more common in children than in adults. 

Act Quickly: If you suspect you have the flu, seek medical evaluation within 48 hours of your first symptom.

Antiviral Medications: Early treatment with antivirals (such as oseltamivir or baloxavir) is highly effective. It shortens illness duration and lowers the risk of serious complications.

Isolation Protocol: Stay home and isolate until you are completely fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication. 

In alignment with the CDC and the Ohio Department of Health, COVID-19 is managed consistently with other respiratory viruses.

Isolation: If you test positive, stay home until your symptoms improve and you are fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.

Masking: Wear a well-fitting mask for 5 days after returning to class or work to protect the campus community.

Clinical Students: Students in healthcare or clinical placements must follow the specific safety protocols of their assigned facility, which may differ from campus rules.

Clinic Support: Health Services continues to provide active COVID-19 testing and over-the-counter treatments to manage mild symptoms. 

Illness & Attendance: It is the sole responsibility of the student to notify faculty directly when too ill to attend class. Health Services can provide verification that you were evaluated at the clinic, but final approval for an excused absence remains at the strict discretion of each individual faculty member. 

Allergy Forms: Required for all students with a history of severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis.

EatSafe Program: Managed by our cafeteria partner, Hallmark Dining Services, to guarantee safe, nutritious meal options for students with dietary restrictions. This program can be established at any point during enrollment.

Contact: Reach out to Seth Lawrence to set up your meal plan accommodations. 

Monthly Campus Clinics: The Gallia County Health Department visits campus once a month to provide reproductive health exams and free, confidential HIV and STI testing. No appointment is required.

Schedules: Testing dates are announced regularly via campus email and student bulletin boards.

Year-Round Support: Health Services offers comprehensive sexual health education and local treatment referrals at any time.

If you are sexually active:

• Get tested annually (or more frequently if you have new or multiple partners).
• Use condoms or other barrier protection consistently to prevent transmission.
• Contact Health Services directly for testing options and treatment resources. 

Cardio Exercise: Aim for 30 minutes of heart-pumping activity (like walking, swimming, or running) five times a week.

De-stress & Meditate: Practice deep breathing and stretching. Visit one of our campus meditation rooms, located across the main campus and regional centers, 2 to 3 times a week.

Prioritize Sleep: Log 6 to 8 hours of sleep per night. Quality sleep is vital for academic performance and mental health.

Take Five: Take a short break every 30 minutes when working on a computer to stretch, walk, or breathe deeply.

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water. Dehydration leaves you vulnerable to infection. Juices, teas, and other non-alcoholic liquids count toward your goal too.

Utilize Your Support System: Build meaningful friendships. Having someone to talk to and lean on is critical for your mental health. Seek out campus groups to build supportive friendships.

Eat Balanced Meals: Fill half your plate with nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables to help your immune system fight off infections.

Fight the Flu: Living in close quarters means germs spread fast. Get your annual flu shot at Health Services starting in late September or early October.

Limit Alcohol: Avoid empty calories and safety risks. If you are 21 or older, stick to the recommended daily limits: maximum of two drinks for men and one drink for women.

Kick Bad Habits: Smoking, using snuff, or vaping poses severe health risks. Stop today to protect your lungs and heart. Talk to your healthcare provider or local health department for assistance.  You are welcome to stop by Health Services for additional information too.