News Archive 2018 [1]
Sleepless at UMass?
September 18, 2018
Find out how changing your sleep can change your life! Stop by the free Sleep Fair, Wednesday, Oct. 3, 1 – 3 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom.
Learn what sleep does for you, what happens when you don’t get enough, and how to overcome sleep challenges. Talk with experts from the Psychological and Brain Sciences Department, tour the campus Sleep Lab, get sleep tips and sample proven natural therapies like massage, acupuncture, Reiki and meditation.
Walk away with giveaways and enter a drawing to win an Apple watch or a Fitbit.
The Sleep Fair is co-sponsored by the Center for Health Promotion [2] and Campus Recreation [3].
Opioids: save a life, stop stigma
August 16, 2018
Learn to recognize an overdose, use Narcan and become part of the movement toward recovery and hope [4]. College of Nursing professor Kimberly Dion, a nurse researcher in opioid use disorder, leads a presentation for the community Wednesday, Sept. 19, 5 – 6:30 p.m. in Skinner Hall, room 12. Sponsored by UHS, the UMPD [5] and Hampshire Hope [6].
Get vaccinated against meningitis
July 17, 2018
UMass and the Five Colleges remain in an "outbreak" status following three confirmed cases of meningococcal B between October, 2017 and February, 2018. According to state and federal health officials, this designation extends for one year after the last case was diagnosed.
It remains vitally important that UMass students continue getting vaccinated against meningitis B. Vaccinations with the two-shot Bexsero series or three-dose Trumemba series are always available at UHS; call (413) 577-5101 for an appointment. Bexsero will also be available at UHS flu clinics this fall – check back soon for dates and details.
For more information, go to www.umass.edu/meningitis [7]. If you have questions, call the UHS Triage Advice Nurse, (413) 577-5229.
Important: student health insurance
July 16, 2018
By law, Massachusetts college students must have health insurance. Students are automatically enrolled into the school-sponsored plan and charged on the semester tuition bill. Those with comparable coverage may be eligible to waive the plan and charges; the deadline is the end of the Add/Drop period. Learn what you need and review your options now. [8]
Fall walk-in STI, HIV testing clinics set
June 27, 2018
Walk in and get tested [9] for sexually transmitted infections and HIV at an upcoming clinic. New this fall, UHS is also offering vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) [10] at the clinics!
New, transfer students: Got your shots?
May 29, 2018
College students are required by state law to have certain immunizations before coming to school. Proof of immunization must be submitted online before the end of the Add/Drop period. Here's how... [11]
Tobacco-Free UMass launches online feedback form
May 29, 2018
Ask a question, report a violation or get involved – use the online feedback form [12]. After you do, browse their brand-new website [13] for tobacco facts, resources and more.
Becker honored as Immunization Champion
April 27, 2018
Ann Becker, R.N., D.N.P., public health and infection control nurse at UHS, has been honored with a 2018 Massachusetts Adult Immunization Champion Award for her collaboration and leadership in responding to an outbreak of meningitis B at UMass and in the Five Colleges community
The award is presented by the Massachusetts Adult Immunization Coalition (MAIC), in conjunction with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH). Becker received the honor at MAIC’s 23rd annual adult immunization conference, April 10 in Marlborough, Mass.
Becker was also a featured presenter at the event, speaking at a session on encouraging young adults to understand the importance of vaccination, and as part of an afternoon plenary session on increasing vaccination rates by tailoring messaging and services to target populations.
Becker, who joined UHS in 2002, is director of the UMass Amherst Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), a unit she co-founded in 2005, which embeds the MRC into the curriculum of undergraduate nursing programs. She teaches community and public health nursing to UMass Amherst undergraduate and graduate students, chairs the Tobacco-Free UMass Amherst committee, manages the Tobacco Ambassador program, runs numerous walk-in STI and HIV screening clinics annually and engages in communicable disease surveillance and response on campus.
Ryan joins UHS leadership team
April 26, 2018
UHS welcomes Jeanne M. Ryan [14], who has been named associate director and director of clinical services.
Get vaccinated against meningitis
April 26, 2018
UMass and the Five Colleges remain in an "outbreak" status following three confirmed cases of meningococcal B between October, 2017 and February, 2018. According to state and federal health officials, this designation extends for one year after the last case was diagnosed.
It remains vitally important that UMass students continue getting vaccinated through the spring and summer. The two-shot Bexsero meningitis B series is available at UHS now through summer intersession. Call (413) 577-5101 for an appointment.
For more information, go to www.umass.edu/meningitis [7]. If you have questions, call the UHS Triage Advice Nurse, (413) 577-5229.
Last walk-in meningitis B clinic today
April 25. 2018
The last walk-in meningitis B clinic of the semester is today, April 25, 3 – 6 p.m., in UHS room 302.
You can continue the two-shot Bexsero vaccine series, or start at this clinic. Remember to bring your insurance card, and any documentation of vaccination received from your home provider.
Because UMass and the Five Colleges are considered to be in an meningitis B "outbreak" status, it remains vitally important that UMass students continue getting vaccinated.
If you're unable to attend today's clinic, you can get vaccinated by appointment at UHS; call (413) 577-5101. Vaccinations will be available at UHS throughout the summer intersession.
More information is available at www.umass.edu/meningitis [7]. If you have questions, call the UHS Triage Advice Nurse, (413) 577-5228.
Walk-in STI, HIV testing
The last walk-in clinic [15] of the semester is Friday, May 4, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Testing is the only way to know!
STI, HIV clinic canceled
April 23, 2018
The walk-in STI and HIV testing clinic scheduled for Tuesday, April 24 has been canceled. The semester's final clinic is Friday, May 4, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on the ground floor of UHS.
Repaving and sidewalk repairs
March 28, 2018
Contractors will be on Thatcher Road, at the west side of UHS, beginning Monday, April 2 through approximately Friday, April 6. Work includes grading and paving the roadway, pouring a new sidewalk and restoring curbing.
Traffic will be limited to one lane at time; expect delays if traveling this way. A police officer will be present to oversee traffic flow. The upper sidewalk will be inaccessible for a period of time, but the ground floor entrance to UHS should remain open and accessible from the lower sidewalk.
The main entrance will remain open and unaffected. Access is available by stairs and a ramp.
Meningitis update
March 2, 2018
On Friday, March 2, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that the Smith College hospitalized recently with bacterial meningitis was infected with serogroup B. While this is the same meningitis serogroup as the outbreak at UMass Amherst, it is currently not known whether the cases are related.
It remains vitally important that UMass students continue getting vaccinated for meningococcal disease. To date, we have administered approximately 10,200 doses of Bexsero, the vaccine we are primarily using on campus.
We strongly urge you to come to one of the walk-in clinics this semester to continue the two-shot Bexsero vaccine series, or to start the series. No appointment is necessary. Remember to bring your insurance card and any documentation of vaccination received at home.
Clinics are:
- Tuesday, March 6: 10 a.m.– 2 p.m., Commonwealth Honors College events hall east
- Tuesday, March 20: 3 – 6 p.m., UHS, room 302
- Wednesday, April 4: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Campus Center room 168
- Wednesday, April 25: 3 – 6 p.m., UHS, room 302
Regularly updated information about meningococcal disease at UMass is at www.umass.edu/meningitis [7]. If you have additional questions or concerns, call the UHS triage nurse, (413) 577-5229.
If these clinics don't fit into your schedule, call UHS, (413) 577-5101 to schedule a vaccination appointment.
Meningitis update
February 26, 2018
On Sunday, Feb. 25, a student at nearby Smith College in Northampton was diagnosed with a bacterial meningitis infection and is hospitalized. The student did not attend classes at UMass through the Five Colleges Consortium.
While we await testing to see what strain of meningitis is responsible for the student's illness, we emphasize that it remains vitally important that UMass students continue getting vaccinated for meningococcal disease. To date, we have administered approximately 10,200 doses of Bexsero, the vaccine we are primarily using on campus.
We strongly urge you to come to one of the walk-in clinics this semester to continue the two-shot Bexsero vaccine series, or to start the series. No appointment is necessary. Remember to bring your insurance card and any documentation of vaccination received at home.
Clinics are:
- Tuesday, March 6: 10 a.m.– 2 p.m., Commonwealth Honors College events hall east
- Tuesday, March 20: 3 – 6 p.m., UHS, room 302
- Wednesday, April 4: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Campus Center room 168
- Wednesday, April 25: 3 – 6 p.m., UHS, room 302
Regularly updated information about meningococcal disease at UMass is at www.umass.edu/meningitis [16]. If you have additional questions or concerns, call the UHS triage nurse, (413) 577-5229.
If these clinics don't fit into your schedule, call UHS, (413) 577-5101 to schedule a vaccination appointment.
Spring recess hours
February 26, 2018
Effective Sunday, March 11 – Saturday, March 17, 2018
Open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; closed Saturday and Sunday. For after-hours medical and mental health advice, call (413) 577-5000. In a life-threatening emergency, always call 911.
Got stress? They've got dogs!
February 26, 2018
Chill out with a furry friend at the Peer Health Educators [17]' Paws Program, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom and W.E.B. Du Bois Library.
Meningitis update
February 15, 2018
Thank you to all the students who have received vaccinations so far during the clinics we have offered on campus. More than 9,600 doses of the meningitis B vaccine have been administered on campus.
It's important to note that meningococcal disease does not take a holiday. At other universities, outbreaks of the disease have occurred over several months. To continue our efforts to prevent the spread of meningococcal disease, we have scheduled additional walk-in mini clinics throughout the spring semester. We strongly encourage you to either get your second shot of meningitis B vaccine or start the two-shot series at one of these clinics.
Clinics are scheduled for:
- Wednesday, Feb. 21: 3 – 6 p.m., UHS, room 302
- Tuesday, March 6: 10 a.m.– 2 p.m., Commonwealth Honors College events hall east
- Tuesday, March 20: 3 – 6 p.m., UHS, room 302
- Wednesday, April 4: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Campus Center room 168
- Wednesday, April 25: 3 – 6 p.m., UHS, room 302
Regularly updated information about meningococcal disease at UMass can be found at www.umass.edu/meningitis [16]. If you have additional questions or concerns, call the UHS triage nurse, (413) 577-5229.
If these clinics do not fit into your schedule, call UHS, (413) 577-5101 to schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine
Meningitis update
February 8, 2018
Get vaccinated against Meningitis B at a walk-in clinic today, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., in the Commonwealth Honors College events hall.
Get your second dose, or your first dose if you haven't been vaccinated yet. Bring your insurance card and documentation of vaccination if you received a dose at home. If you can't make it to a walk-in clinic, call (413) 577-5101 for an individual appointment. More about meningitis vaccinations. [16]
Flu shots will also be available.
Meningitis update
February 6, 2018
The walk-in meningitis B vaccination clinic scheduled for Wednesday, Feb 7, 3 – 6 p.m. in UHS room 302 has been canceled due to weather.
Get vaccinated Thursday, Feb. 8, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., in the Commonwealth Honors College events hall.
Come get your second dose, or your first dose if you haven't been vaccinated yet. Bring your insurance card and documentation of vaccination if you received a dose at home. If you can't make it to a walk-in clinic, call (413) 577-5101 for an individual appointment. More about meningitis vaccinations. [16]
Flu shots will also be available.
Walk-in STI, HIV testing
February 5, 2018
Get tested at one of this semester's walk-in clinics [15] – no appointment needed. Testing is the only way to know!
Fight flu!
February 1, 2018
Protect yourself and others from flu:
- Wash your hands often; use hand sanitizer when you're on the go and can't wash
- Avoid touching your nose or mouth
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your sleeve – not your hands. Throw tissues in the trash
- Don't share food, drinks, utensils or similar items
- If you're sick, stay home from school or work. Limit contact with others
How do you know if it's a cold or flu? Get a clue with UHS' handy guide [18]. For one-on-one answers or help, call UHS’ Triage Advice Nurse, (413) 577-5229 during health center hours.
For a flu shot appointment, call UHS, (413) 577-5101, or ask for a shot during a scheduled appointment. Costs are billed to insurance; bring your insurance card to the visit.
Meningitis update
January 19, 2018
It's important that undergraduate students receive their second dose of meningococcal vaccine; or their first dose if they haven't received it yet.
UHS has scheduled walk-In meningococcal B vaccination clinics for students. Remember to bring your insurance card and documentation of vaccination if you received a dose at home. If you can't make it to a walk-in clinic, call (413) 577-5101 for an individual appointment. More about meningitis vaccinations. [16]
Walk-In clinics
- Saturday, Jan. 27, noon – 4 p.m., UHS room 302
- Tuesday, Jan. 30, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Campus Center room 163
- Thursday, Feb. 1 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Berkshire Dining Commons
- Wednesday, Feb 7, 3 – 6 p.m., UHS room 302
- Thursday, Feb. 8, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Commonwealth Honors College events hall
Immunization records due
January 10, 2018
Certain immunizations, and proof that you've had them, are required before you start school. If you're beginning this semester, or haven't submitted documentation from last semester, the deadline is February 5. If you don't submit information, a hold will be placed preventing you from registering for classes. Here's what to do. [11]
Insurance info for new, transfer students
January 10, 2018
If you're taking five or more credits, you're automatically enrolled in, and charged for, the Student Health Benefit Plan (SHBP). If you already have insurance, you may be eligible to waive the SHBP; the deadline is February 5. What you need to know... [8]
Still time to get your flu shot
January 9, 2018
It's not too late to protect against flu! Call UHS, (413) 577-5101 for a flu shot appointment, or ask for your shot during your scheduled appointment. Costs are billed to insurance; bring your insurance card to the visit.
Meningitis update
January 2, 2018
UHS continues to strongly recommend that all undergraduate students get meningoccal B vaccine. If you're near campus during winter break, you can contact UHS for a
vaccination appointment. Another set of vaccination clinics is planned early in the spring semester for students needing either their first or second shots.
UHS provided the meningitis B vaccine to more than 7,700 students, including 640 during the most recent set of clinics at UHS.
More about vaccination... [19]
Patient parking detour
January 2, 1018
Thatcher Road near the intersection with Infirmary Way is closed until further notice due to a water main break. Access UHS' patient parking lot from the Eastman Lane intersection with Thatcher Road. Get a campus map [20].
Spring semester hours
December 26, 2017
Effective January 21 – May 12
For immediate needs [21]
Walk-in Care:
Monday – Friday
8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Except holidays
Text service
To wait where you're most comfortable, text “clinic” to (413) 944-8562. You’ll receive a response text with your number and a reminder text when it's almost your turn to be seen.
For acute minor illnesses & routine care [21]
General Medicine clinics:
Monday – Friday,
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Except holidays
Questions? Need help?
Call the Triage Advice Nurse, (413) 577-5229 during health center hours.
After-hours medical & mental health advice
(413) 577-5000
Other UHS department hours [22]
Meningitis update
December 20, 2017
UHS plans to schedule another set of meningitis B vaccination clinics early in the spring semester for students needing either their first or second shots. UHS provided the meningitis B vaccine to more than 7,700 students, including 640 during the most recent set of clinics at UHS.
If you're near campus during winter break, you can contact UHS for a vaccination appointment.
Vaccinations can also be given by your family physician. When you contact them to set up an appointment, let them know that UMass Amherst has a meningitis B “outbreak” status from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. There are two different vaccines for meningococcal disease available; your family doctor can administer either one. They can order them from the following companies:
- To order Bexsero, your provider can call GSK, 866-475-8222
- To order Trumenba, your provider can call Pfizer, 800-666-7248
If you already received your first shot of Bexsero at a campus vaccination clinic, you can schedule your second dose of Bexsero with your family physician during break. The second dose can be given any time 28 days after you received the first shot. It is important to receive the second dose to achieve full protection from meningococcal disease.
If you start either vaccine series during winter break and need to receive another dose when you return for spring semester, UHS carries both Bexsero and Trumenba. You must continue with the same vaccine you started with.
Vaccination details
UHS recommends that students at the highest risk receive serogroup B vaccination. UHS is offering Bexsero, a two-dose series. The second dose will be given after one month.
Those at highest risk include:
- all undergraduates
- graduate students living in undergraduate housing, and
- all students with conditions such as asplenia, a complement deficiency, sickle cell anemia or those taking the medication Solaris. This includes both on-campus and off-campus students.
CDC protocols do not consider faculty and staff to be within this risk group, except for those with the conditions listed above. Faculty and staff who are concerned about exposure to meningitis or are interested in being vaccinated are encouraged to contact their primary care provider.
Get detailed information [23] about serotype B meningococcal vaccine. This fact sheet [24] has more information about meningococcal disease and college students.
Important insurance information
Because this situation is an outbreak, your health insurance or prescription plan should cover this vaccination; UHS will take steps to bill your insurance. In any case, undergraduate students will be vaccinated, no matter the ability to pay. Students will not incur any costs associated with co-pays, deductibles or insurance denials.
-
Before being vaccinated, students or family members are encouraged to contact their private insurance provider regarding coverage of the vaccine. When speaking with your insurance provider, it's important to mention that the UMass Amherst campus has designated "outbreak status" from federal and state public health officials.
- Consolidated Health Plan, the university-sponsored health insurance, will cover the cost at 100%, with no pre-authorization or referral required.
- Many insurance companies will require that your primary care provider obtain a pre-authorization number. Please try to contact your provider before being vaccinated.
- Download and fill out the referral request form [25] and bring it with you.
- Bring your insurance card with you.
More information
Updates, frequently asked questions and details about insurance will be posted at www.umass.edu/meningitis [16].
Read the full December 7 update [26], November 28 update [27], November 16 update [28], November 15 update [29], November 14 update [30] or the October 26 notice [31] to the campus community. Parents: Get the latest information by joining the Parent Services email list [32].
Winter intersession hours
December 11, 2017
Effective Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017 – Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018
Open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.; closed Saturday and Sunday