News , UHS

University Health Service (UHS)

News from UHS (Updated 11/6/09)

Student Cases of Flu-like Illnesses Increase

Staying Healthy

Flu Shots

Health Insurance Selection Process

Requesting Your Immunization Record

Condoms Sold in Residential Snack Vending Machines

Monthly InSTALLment – Now available online

Helpful Sites and Links

Student Cases of Flu-like Illnesses Increase
The number of cases of influenza-like illness among University of Rochester students has increased in the last two weeks. In September and early October, UHS tracked about 10 cases a week. During the last two weeks that number has more than tripled and is in keeping with what is happening across New York State. Fortunately, the cases continue to be mild to moderate, and no students have required admission to the hospital. The first few doses of H1N1 vaccine arrived last week, and University Health Service expects additional deliveries in November. Watch for announcements for H1N1 vaccine clinics for students and employees. In the meantime, please take the usual precautions to prevent the spread of influenza. The most important advice is to stay home if you are feeling ill. Other information about the flu can be found on the University’s Web site or the UHS Web site.

Staying Healthy The simple rules for reducing the spread of infection still apply: Wash your hands with soap and water often, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough. If you do not own a thermometer, now would be a good time to buy one. UHS and the Barnes & Noble Bookstore sell reasonably-priced thermometers ($5.00 at UHS). UHS also has outlined steps to take if you are sick with an influenza-like illness. For H1N1 updates, check UHS, UR Emergency H1N1 , CDC, and flu.gov).

Flu Shots
Students with chronic medical illnesses (e.g., asthma, diabetes, chronic lung conditions) can call UHS at 585-275-2662 to schedule an appointment for a seasonal flu shot. Seasonal flu clinics may be scheduled on campus if more vaccine becomes available at a later date. UHS is anticipating receiving H1N1 vaccine in November. Information will be shared with students when the vaccine is available. For more...

Health Insurance Selection Process
If you are a full-time student and did not complete the online Health Insurance Selection Process, you have been enrolled in the University-sponsored BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) insurance. The only way to change your insurance option is to complete the selection process. The change will take effect the first of the month after you complete the process (e.g., November 1 if you complete the selection process by October 31). If you have your own insurance, your payment will be pro-rated, which means you will be credited for the remaining months of the semester. The charge for September and October cannot be removed from your tuition bill. The link is in the pink box on the UHS home page.

Requesting Your Immunization Record
UHS can provide a copy of your immunizations documented in the UHS database. To request your immunization record, e-mail hhf@uhs.rochester.edu. Put “Immunization Record Request” in the subject line. In the message, include your name, birth date, your years at the University, and your mailing address or fax number. Requests are usually processed in 3-5 business days.

Condoms Sold in Residential Snack Vending Machines
The UHS Health Promotion Office teamed up with Vending Services to provide students with Trojan condoms in convenient locations around campus. Condoms are now sold in the snack vending machines in the residence halls in Susan B. Anthony, Hill Court, and the Residential Quad.

'Monthly InSTALLment' Now Online
The Monthly InSTALLment, published each month by the UHS Health Promotion Office, is available on the UHS Web site. More...

Helpful Sites/Links

UHS Health Promotion Office

Health Topics on UHS web site

University Counseling Center

Athletics & Recreation

Office of the Dean of Students, The College

Dining Services

Center for Academic Support

Fraternity and Sorority Affairs

International Services Office (ISO)

Residential Life

Wilson Commons Student Activities