Frequently Asked Questions...

What health care supplies should I bring to college?
We suggest that each student consider bringing the following items to school each semester:

*Medications or medical supplies routinely used at home
*Pain relievers (Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Tylenol, etc.)
*Antihistamines and/or decongestants
*Throat lozenges
*Band-Aids
*Antibiotic ointment
*Thermometer
*Ace bandage
*Heating pad and/or ice cap

NOTE: It is also very important to carry a copy of your medical insurance card in your billfold in case of emergencies.

Do you give allergy shots in the health clinic? 
We do not give allergy shots in the clinic. The college is nine miles from the nearest hospital and there is no doctor at the clinic. For the student's safety, it is best to let us help make arrangements to have allergy shots given at a local doctor's office near the hospital in Hiawassee or Blairsville.

I take prescription medication for an ongoing medical condition. Am I allowed to keep it in my room?
Prescription medications may be kept by students in their rooms. Medications do not need to be kept in the clinic or monitored by the student health nurse. If you take a medication that is considered a controlled substance, such as Ritalin, you may consider keeping it in a secure place such as a locked box and do not share this information with anyone except the nurse. 

Is there a charge for any services provided by the clinic?
There is no charge for any of the services provided at the student health clinic. However, if you do not return equipment that was loaned to you, the replacement cost of the item will be charged to your college account. 

Am I required to get a physical exam before entering Young Harris? 
It is a good idea for all students to get a physical exam as well as an eye exam and dental exam before coming to college so that you are assured of beginning school in the best possible health. However, physical exams are not required unless you will be playing intercollegiate athletics. The Athletic Trainer sends physical forms to all incoming athletes each year. The athletic physical form can also be downloaded from the Young Harris sports medicine web page. It must be completed and returned to the Athletic Trainer prior to practice or play. 

What immunizations are required before I enter college? 
All students are required to have a doctor or health department official complete the Young Harris College Certificate of Immunization showing proof of :
*Two MMR (measles, mump, rubella) shots or laboratory evidence of immmunity to each disease
*Tetanus shot (current within past 10 years)
*Chicken pox immunity (by adequate vaccination, laboratory evidence of immune
titer or doctor's office record showing month and year you had the disease)

Students are also required to complete a TB screening form (found on the back of our Certificate of Immunization form or as a separate form on the immunization section of our web site)
Any student who answers "yes" to either of the screening questions, is then required to have a PPD test and any other screening suggested by their doctor.
Occassionally, a doctor or health department will suggest a TB test be done dispite two "no" answers on the screening form. Please follow their advice and have the test administered.

Are there other vaccines recommended for college students? 
Yes, the American College Health Association recommends that college students have the series of three vaccinations that provide immunity to the Hepatitis B virus. In addition, the Center for Disease Control recommends that college freshmen who live in residence halls receive the Meningitis vaccine. The newest meningitis vaccine, Menactra, is preferred for people 11-55 years old. The older form of meningitis vaccine, Menomune, is also very safe and effective and can be used if Menactra is not available.
Finally, anyone who intends to travel internationally is encouraged to take the Hepatitis A vaccine.

The doctor's office where I got my childhood immunizations is no longer in existence. How can I get my immunization record completed? 
Your high school or middle school may have your immunization record still on file. If you can get a copy, take it to your doctor or local health department along with the college's Certificate of Immunization. Have them transcribe the information onto the college record and supply their certifying information at the bottom of the form.
If you are unable to obtain any records, you will need to take the required immunizations or obtain laboratory evidence of immunity to the measles, mumps, rubella, and chicken pox.

I'm a non-traditional student. They didn't give vaccinations back when I was a child. Do I have to get all those immunizations now? 
If you were born before 1957, you most likely have had all the childhood diseases and are therefore immune to the measles, mumps, rubella and chicken pox. You do not have to prove immunity or receive these vaccines. You will need to be current on your tetanus vaccine, however. You will also need to have your Tuberculosis test done if you answer "yes" to either of the TB screening questions. It is also recommended that you consider having the Hepatitis B immunization series.