Student Health Service - Undergraduate Students
McKenna Student Center, Lower Level
studenthealthservices@lesley.edu
617.349.8222
617.349.8225 Fax
TBD
Director of Student Health Service
https://www.lesley.edu/students/health-wellness-safety/undergraduate-health-services
The Lesley University Student Health Service (SHS) offers basic primary, episodic and urgent health care services to all full-time undergraduate students of Lesley University, including Threshold.
Our mission is to advance the health and well-being of our students in order to support their academic success and social and emotional growth at Lesley University. We are committed to primary prevention of illness, easy and equal access to services for all residential students, and to our role as advocates for a safe and healthy campus community. Medical care is confidential, except as required by law, and records may only be released with the student’s written permission.
Services Enrollment in the SHS is automatic for undergraduate students living in University housing. SHS enrollment is optional for full-time undergraduate students living off-campus by completing the contract for optional service in the SHS and paying the non-refundable Student Health Service fee before the third week of each semester. Service is confidential and includes professional services by nurse practitioners and a physician for acute and chronic illnesses, minor injuries and accidents, annual free flu shots, care related to sexuality and reproductive health, as well as health teaching on a range of issues with attention to prevention. A psychiatric clinical nurse specialist (CNS) is also available for psychopharmacology management for some clinical needs. Access to CNS services is by directly calling SHS, or by referral from the University Counselors (for students who are being followed in the LU Counseling Center) or from SHS providers (for students being followed either in the LU Counseling Center or by an outside provider).
Health Forms SHS Health Forms include the Certificate of Immunization form which lists the immunizations and documentation required by Massachusetts law for all full-time students and all students studying on a visa. Forms are available in your admissions “Welcome” packet, on our web site, or by calling the SHS. Completion of the Undergraduate Certificate of Immunization form is required before your arrival on campus. See the Immunization Requirements section below for detailed immunization and documentation requirements.
Health Insurance Enrollment in SHS is separate from having health insurance. Once enrolled, all services provided inside SHS are covered, but health insurance is required by law for all three-quarter or full-time students. Insurance would be billed in the event of sending out laboratory tests (SHS uses Quest Diagnostics), referring to outside providers, and for students to fill prescriptions at local pharmacies. It is important to understand your individual policy to ensure your care and services will be covered, as well as to know what co-pays you are responsible for. You have the option to choose the Lesley Health Insurance plan available through the Student Accounts Office.
Chronic or Concerning Health Issues We are available to be a resource and local provider in collaboration with your primary care provider and/or specialist to help support oversight of your health issues. This could take the form of regular clinical visits, labs drawn, and calls with your provider at home. Such collaboration would require appropriate release forms signed by the student permitting such communication. Similarly, there may be serious ongoing health situations for which we would generate the request to establish communication with your primary care provider/specialists in order to provide support – but not necessarily drive the care – for your condition (an eating disorder, for example).
After Hours and Emergency Care Emergency care and urgent after-hours problems are handled by local hospital emergency rooms and/or walk-in clinics, depending on the nature and severity of the concern. Students should have a working knowledge of their health insurance in order to utilize resources appropriately and should also have a copy of their insurance ID card with them at school. In a life-threatening emergency at any time, dial “911” to activate the emergency response system, and then call Public Safety at 617.349.8888 for assistance. Mount Auburn Hospital (617.492.3500) is located 1.4 miles from campus, and Cambridge Hospital (617.665.1000) is located 1.5 miles from campus. If an ambulance is not required, transportation by cab can be arranged by the SHS and Public Safety. The student’s account will be billed for any such charges incurred. For a fuller list of off campus medical options, please visit our information about After-Hours Emergencies and Off-Campus Medical Options on the SHS page of the Lesley website at https://www.lesley.edu/students/health-wellness-safety/undergraduate-health-services.
Promoting Healthy Life Styles The Student Health Service also serves as a campus resource for health education and health counseling. Common topics include nutrition, weight issues, eating disorders, smoking cessation, drug/alcohol concerns, stress management, exercise, sleep, sexuality, reproductive health, contraception, intimacy and personal safety. We organize a Health Fair in the spring, bringing in varied organizations and groups from the community. Group discussions or presentations can be arranged by meeting with the Director of SHS.
Immunization Requirements The Massachusetts Department of Public Health requires all full-time students and all students attending the University on a visa to be immunized. Students must provide documentation of immunization before arrival on campus. Your healthcare provider will need to complete and sign an Undergraduate Certificate of Immunization form (which can also be found at https://www.lesley.edu/students/health-wellness-safety/immunization-information) and return the completed form to Student Health Service by mail to 29 Everett Street, Cambridge, MA 02138 or by fax to 617-349-8225. Medical documentation for the following immunizations are required:
- Two (2) doses of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine given at least one month apart beginning at, or after, 12 months of age; OR a dated positive laboratory blood test for all 3 diseases.
- One dose of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) is required, as well as the last dose of either the Tdap or Td (tetanus, diphtheria) within the last ten years (Td booster is sufficient only if you have evidence of Tdap earlier)
- Varicella/Chicken pox - you must provide documentation of one of the following:
- Three (3) doses of Hepatitis B vaccine OR a dated positive laboratory blood test.
- The quadrivalent Meningitis vaccine is required for all newly enrolled residential full-time students 21 years of age or younger. The vaccination must have been given after your 16th birthday and you must provide one of the following:
- Recommended, but not required: 2 or 3 doses of HPV (Human Papilloma Virus, dosing schedule dependent on age when initiated)
Massachusetts provides clear guidance regarding exemption from immunization requirements. If you have questions about seeking exemption for medical or religious reasons, please refer to the information posted on the SHS web page at our web page at https://www.lesley.edu/students/health-wellness-safety/immunization-information or call us.
Please note that a history of having had any of the above diseases, except chicken pox, does not serve as proof of immunity. Students may be exempt from these requirements only for medical or true religious reasons.
All Lesley University, undergraduate and Threshold students must submit an Undergraduate Certificate of Immunizations form (which can also be found at https://www.lesley.edu/students/health-wellness-safety/immunization-information), signed by a physician or nurse (not a parent) BEFORE ARRIVAL ON CAMPUS. Deadline is June 1st, for students beginning in the fall, and January 1st for students entering in the spring semester. Undergraduate students should mail or fax their form to Student Health Service, 29 Everett Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, fax: 617.349.8225, phone: 617.349.8222. Failure to complete the immunization requirements will result in an “immunization hold” on your account preventing registration for future semesters until the requirements are met.
Location The Student Health Service is located in the lower level of the Margaret McKenna Student Center on the Doble campus.
Scheduling Appointments are available by calling 617.349.8222. We are open on Monday 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Tuesday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the academic year (September through mid-May). There are same day appointments reserved at the start of each day for urgent needs. For on-going medical conditions requiring prolonged follow-up, referral to local medical specialists can be arranged and the SHS can help coordinate specialist care.