Immunizations, health examination and health history:
Update immunizations before your student leaves for college and document them on the
UHS Immunization Form. (See link below. UHS
also provides immunizations for a fee).
A physical exam is not required by the UM, however athletic teams or clubs may have different requirements; check with
team or club to be sure.
Make sure you student knows about his/her health history. If your student has a complex health history:
- Get a summary letter from your student's physician
- Encourage your student to schedule an introductory appointment with a UHS physician and hand-carry the letter
(don't send it in advance) to that first visit
Encourage your student to carry a list of his/her medication allergies.
If your son or daughter is currently receiving mental health care, visit the
Counseling and Psychological Services website for recommendations for transferring
care to providers at the University of Michigan or other providers in Ann Arbor.
Print, complete and send forms:
Immunization form (best completed by a health care provider)
Consent to Treatment form (if your student is
younger than 18 years old)
Prescriptions:
Update prescriptions.
Arrange for a supply of medications to bring to school.
Contact UHS Pharmacy (734-764-7387) regarding transferring prescriptions, if desired.
If you student takes ADD/ADHD medications, help prepare. For obtaining a prescription at UHS, students
must visit a UHS physician and bring both of the following to the first visit:
- Documentation of diagnostic neuropsychological testing for ADD/ADHD
- Documentation of current management plans for ADD/ADHD
If your student wears glasses or contact lenses, send a copy of the current prescription with him/her, to make getting replacements
easier.
If your student takes allergy shots, help prepare. Students can either bring allergy antigen from their home allergist
and continue therapy OR see the UHS allergist to start therapy. UHS can prepare antigens for a fee, which will require that the student
be evaluated by the UHS allergist. For questions call 734-764-8304.
Health Insurance (All students should have health insurance):
Know how health care works on campus: UHS provides most services at no or low cost. Payment for health care outside UHS is your
student's responsibility, which is the reason your student should have health insurance.
Arrange health insurance if needed. See Domestic Student Health Insurance Plan.
Inform your health insurance company that your student will be away at college, and inquire about the level of coverage in the Ann Arbor area. Ask whether your plan has network providers here.
Provide an insurance card (with policy numbers, billing address and pharmacy information) or a photocopy (front and back) and
encourage your student to carry it with him/her.
Discuss with your student when and how to use health insurance.
You may wish to consider purchasing the Tuition Refund Plan, which significantly
reduces financial loss if students are unable to complete a term due to illness (physical or psychological).
Help your student practice decision-making skills:
Talk with your student about decisions s/he is likely to encounter in college such as alcohol and other drug use, getting enough
sleep, managing time, handling stress, exercising, eating, sexual behavior, hygiene (e.g., hand washing, covering coughs), and being
financially responsible.
Help your student practice making important choices before leaving for college.
Tell your student what you expect.
Offer non-judgmental listening and let your student know you're available.
Assemble a health care kit:
Send your student to school with a kit. Many medications are available generically. Ask a pharmacist for recommendations.
Suggestions include:
| Supplies |
Medications |
| Ace bandage for sprains |
Acetaminophen for pain relief, fever reduction e.g. Tylenol |
| Adhesive bandages, tape |
Antibacterial hand sanitizer, e.g. Purell |
| Cotton swabs |
Anti-inflammatory e.g. ibuprofen |
| Heating pad |
Antiseptic skin cleanser e.g. hydrogen peroxide 3% |
| Ice pack |
Antacid tablets e.g. Tums |
| Scissors |
Antibiotic cream or ointment e.g. Bacitracin |
| Sterile gauze pads |
Anti-diarrheal e.g. Imodium or Pepto Bismol |
| Sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) |
Antihistamine for itching and allergies e.g. Benadryl |
| Thermometer |
Calamine lotion for relief of itching |
| Tweezers |
Cough suppressant |
| |
Decongestant e.g. Sudafed or phenylephrine |
For further information, contact:
UHS Questions and Comments
Telephone 734-763-1320
Health Promotion and Community Relations
|