Each year many students lose valuable class time because of preventable illness. Before you come to Berkeley, there are a number of ways you can plan ahead to avoid or minimize illness. Below is a helpful list from University Health Services (UHS) at the Tang Center:
Update your immunizations
Hepatitis B vaccination is required as a condition of enrollment. The California State Legislature has mandated first-time enrollees at the University of California who are under 19 years of age on August 25, 2013 provide proof of immunization against Hepatitis B as a condition of enrollment. The vaccine is a series of three doses. To assure compliance and protect your enrollment status, see "Hepatitis B" at http://www.uhs.berkeley.edu/students/immunization/hepatitisb.shtml and mail the form to the address indicated by August 14, 2013.
In addition to the standard pediatric immunization series and the Hepatitis B requirement explained above, the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the American College Health Association (ACHA) recommend:
Review your medication needs
Bring enough of your ongoing medications for the first month of school and a copy of your prescription. Plan ahead for refills.
Bring a first-aid kit, and make sure it includes a thermometer and ibuprofen or tylenol.
Consider transferring your medical records
If your primary medical care will be provided by the Tang Center, you may wish to have your medical records transferred from your previous health care provider. You can print a release form for transfers of records online (see http://www.uhs.berkeley.edu/students/medical/records.shtml) or pick up a copy of the form from Medical Records.
Plan for chronic conditions
If you have a chronic medical condition such as diabetes, asthma or cancer, you may want to obtain a health summary from your recent health care provider(s) and bring it with you to campus. It will help the Tang Center staff provide the best care possible. We recommend that you select a Tang Center Primary Care Provider and make an appointment soon after your arrival on campus to establish care and share this information.
Know how your medical plan works
Health insurance is a condition of enrollment for UC students. Cal students are automatically enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), and charged the SHIP fee on the campus E-Bill, unless they show that they have comparable coverage through another plan. Students may waive enrollment in SHIP by completing an online waiver form by July 15, 2013 (see www.uhs.berkeley.edu/ShouldIWaive). SHIP covers services at UHS as well as emergency room visits, hospitalization, mental health care and on and off campus specialty services. SHIP also includes vision and dental coverage.
Students who do not have SHIP should carry their insurance card with them at all times, and have easy access to a summary of their plan's benefits.
All students may use UHS services, regardless of whether they have SHIP or another health plan.
For insurance information call the Student Health Insurance Office at (510) 642-5700 or email ship@uhs.berkeley.edu.
The Tang Center is here to help! If you have any questions, please contact call (510) 642-2000 [TTY/TDD (510) 643-1233] or visit us online uhs.berkeley.edu