Health Services
Questions & Answers
Below is a list of frequently asked questions about the Newark Health Center. If you do not see your question, click here to send us an email.
What are the MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) Requirements?
How can I get the "Morning-After Pill"?
How do I set up a routine GYN appointment?
When should I see the health provider in case of illness?
What is the best way to use walk-in time?
What services can I expect as a GLBTQ student?
What should I do if I am sexually assaulted?
What should I do if I am sick when the health center is closed?
How can I get a medical excusal from class in case of absence?
How can I be sure that my records are private and confidential?
What are the MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) Requirements?
According to NJ State Law, students must submit proof of 2 Measles, and at least 1 Mumps and Rubella vaccine after the age of 1 year, or blood test evidence of immunity. Rutgers SHS staff strongly urges all students to obtain 2 MMR vaccines or blood test evidence of immunity. The Newark Health Center can assist students by providing necessary immunizations, drawing blood for immune titers,at a nominal fee, and by entering your information into the University computer database.
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How can I get the "Morning-After Pill" ?
Emergency contraception is supplied at the health service to reduce the chance of unwanted/unplanned pregnancy, when contraception has not been used, or if condoms fail, for example, tear, fall off, or leak. The pills should be started as soon as possible after the mishap - within 72 hours of intercourse - the sooner taken, the more effective they are. Consult a health provider urgently, if needed, or discuss obtaining a reserve prescription at your next GYN visit.
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How do I set up a routine GYN appointment?
Call the health center to set up an appointment preferably in mid-cycle, or >1 week following menses or > 1 week before expected menses. No douching, sex, vaginal creams for at least 48 hours. For the initial GYN appointment, arrive 20 minutes before the appointment time, to complete questionnaires, and other paperwork. Do not procrastinate, do not be afraid….the pelvic exam is NOT painful, and staff are very sensitive to your feelings.
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What are STDs?
Students often ask to be tested for "all the STDs" This includes many sexually transmitted diseased, which can be transmitted to vagina, penis, urethra, skin, throat, or blood stream through intimate contact. Most commonly noted in sexually active college students are chlamydia, human papilloma virus (HPV), genital herpes and gonorrhea - we test for these, as well as for syphilis, Hepatitis B and C, and HIV/AIDS. Some of the tests have charges. We urge all students to obtain the Hepatitis B vaccine and use condoms as an effective barrier to reduce their STD risk.
The staff also treats students with STDs. The medication is readily available at our on-site pharmacy at minimal cost.
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When do I need Travel Advice?
Students planning travel outside the United States, especially to foreign and exotic lands, or even closer to home, such as Mexico or the Caribbean, should obtain travel information and advice, immunizations and/or medications to prevent illnesses. Staff will consult with you on preventive measures regarding diseases such as hepatitis A and B, malaria, travellers' diarrhea, malaria, typhoid fever, and other endemic illnesses. Immunizations and medications are provided at a reasonable fee. Students are advised to initiate this visit as early as possible and at least 4-6 weeks before their departure date.
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When do I need antibiotics?
Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections such as strep throat or chlamydia infection. The majority of episodic illnesses are viral. Antibiotics are powerless against viruses, which are best treated by drinking extra fluids, getting adequate rest and using over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms and support your body's defenses against viruses.
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When should I see the health provider in case of illness?
Any illness accompanied by fever over 102 degrees, severe headache, difficulty breathing, worrisome pain, or change in an individual's ability to walk, talk, or respond to their environment should be evaluated by a clinician promptly. The health center staff will see you urgently, or if you are at a distant site or the health center is closed, you will be covered for emergency room services as stipulated in your student health insurance policy.
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What is the best way to use walk-in time?
Walk-in time (12:00-1:30pm Monday to Friday) is scheduled for 15 minute appointments on a first-come first-serve basis, to assess urgent or acute problems of recent onset, such as colds, earache, vomiting, acute headache, need for emergency contraception. We also review past testing results and consult with students who have received call-back notices. Long term problems, gynecological problems, immunizations, and blood work are scheduled at other times. To schedule by phone, call 973-353-5231 ext 2. Emergency conditions, as determined by medical staff, will be evaluated at any time during working hours for treatment and/or referral to an Emergency room or specialist.
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What services can I expect as a GLBTQ student?
Students can expect Newark Health Center staff to be sensitive and knowledgeable about Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning students' medical issues, and to provide appropriate screening, literature, treatment, and/or referrals for specific problems.
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What should I do if I am sexually assaulted?
Health Services staff are trained to provide counseling and care to victims of sexual assault. Options are provided, and all information is strictly confidential. During business hours, Mon-Fri, 8:30am-4:30pm, you can call our HELP line (973-353-HELP) or come in to speak with a sexual violence prevention advocate. You can call the Essex County Rape Hotline (877-733-2273) 24hours a day/7 days a week. For more information click here.
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What should I do if I am sick when the health center is closed?
If the health center is closed, and the problem is a life-threatening emergency, call 911 for EMS service immediately or if on campus, call extension 80 or 5111 for Rutgers Police assistance immediately.
If you have an urgent problem, go to your local hospital emergency room, or if on campus contact Rutgers Police at extension 80 or 5111
Students may also contact our 24 hour nurse line at 1-866-221-9674 if they have medical questions or need professional advice regarding the best "next step" for a medical problem.
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How can I get a medical excusal from class in case of absence?
Health center staff do not write medical notes excusing a student's absence from class. Obviously, we cannot provide retroactive medical determinations. However, if a student comes to the health center and is diagnosed with a significant illness requiring bed rest, hospitalization, evidence of a disabling condition (eg, a fracture) or an infection requiring isolation (eg., chicken pox), we will provide the student with medical instructions via a copy of the office note or they can sign a permission form needed to transmit this information to their Dean. However, that is not a medical excusal, but rather, a medical diagnosis. What the Dean or faculty choose to do regarding that information relative to the student's absence from class is purely an academic decision.
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How can I be sure that my records are private and confidential?
The Newark Health Center follows rules of privacy as defined by the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Medical records are protected by federal law, and no information may be transmitted to anyone outside the health service without the specific written authorization of the patient, unless the following exceptions pertain. These are subpoena by the courts or medical examiner, hospitals in case of sentinel events, or to local public health or worker protection agencies, where such reports are required by law. This includes reporting of HIV and other STDs to health agencies, some accidents or illness required to be reported to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). For purposes of accreditation and quality assurance, and in case of epidemiological research or gathering of data, charts may be analyzed, with protection of identifiers. All staff are required to sign "statement of confidentiality" documents upon being hired. We want students to appreciate that electronic communication may not be secure, and special permission is requested prior to e-mailing protected medical information (PMI). Postal mail with PMI is sent certified, to recipient only. Students are also urged to inspect their medical records before having them copied and sent to anyone else.
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