Health and Immunization Information

University Park Health Center

The University Park Health Center (UPHC) helps students achieve and maintain physical, mental and social health. The UPHC offers medical care, psychological counseling, and health promotion and disease prevention programs.

• Student Medical Services, located at the University Park Health Center (UPHC), 849 W. 34th Street, offers a full range of high-quality, cost-effective services for the diagnosis and treatment of medical illnesses and injuries, as well as referral services to off-campus facilities. For further information, call 213.740.WELL (9355), or visit www.usc.edu/uphc.
   
• Health Promotion and Prevention Services at UPHC offers programs and resources to help students choose and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Services include anonymous HIV testing and information on contraception, HIV prevention, safer sex practices, and nutrition. For further information, call 213.740.HPPS (4777) or visit www.usc.edu/hpps.
   
• Student Counseling Services, located at the YWCA Building, 857 Downey Way, provides services to help students overcome personal concerns and cope successfully with issues common during the college experience. Students are seen in a group format, as a couple or individually. All information discussed in counseling is kept confidential. For further information, or to make an appointment, call 213.740.7711.

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Health Insurance

All USC students must have supplemental health insurance. This helps cover the cost of health care not available at the health center, particularly emergencies requiring hospitalization. Students carrying six or more units are automatically enrolled in the USC Student Health Insurance Plan. All international and Health Sciences campus students are automatically enrolled even if they carry less than six units. Enrollment is waived with documented proof of adequate health coverage. For waiver information, visit www.usc.edu/uphc.

Students enrolled in overseas study programs must carry adequate health insurance. Unless enrolled in the Student Health Plan, these students are automatically enrolled in the Overseas Studies Health Insurance Plan.

The Health Insurance Plan works in conjunction with the USC Student Health Center. All students enrolled in the plan must pay the Student Health fee. All insurance enrollments or waivers are done during registration week on the campus where the student is enrolled (University Park campus or Health Sciences campus). After registration, enrollments or waivers are handled at the University Park campus. For additional information, call 213.740.0551.

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Food Allergies and Medical Diet

Students with special nutrition needs are encouraged to contact the TrojanHospitality registered dietitian for assistance in menu and meal planning at USC. Students may arrange an appointment during their orientation session by calling 213.821.1707 or by using “Ask the Dietitian” on the TrojanHospitality website.

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Immunization Requirements

USC requires all students to receive two doses of MMR vaccine, or show proof of measles and mumps immunity prior to their first semester of enrollment at USC. A photocopy documenting one of the following will serve as proof of immunity:

1. Documentation (month and year) of receiving TWO doses of the combination MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine or TWO doses of measles vaccine and TWO doses of mumps vaccine; or
2. Documentation of a positive Rubeola titer and/or Mumps titer (laboratory blood test); or
3. Documentation from a physician or clinic indicating a past diagnosis of the disease(s).

All documentation must include an official signature or stamp from a physician or clinic. The first dose of Measles, Mumps or MMR vaccines must be given at 12 months of age or later. The second must be given four weeks (or later) following the first dose. When documentation is unavailable, students must be re-immunized or take a blood test to confirm immunity. Students born prior to January 1, 1957, are considered immune and are automatically listed as exempt from the Measles and Mumps requirement.

All international students are required to be screened for tuberculosis prior to their first semester of enrollment at USC. One of the following documents, on printed letterhead from a physician or clinic, will serve as proof of screening:

1. Documentation of a negative tuberculosis skin test (PPD) with measurement in millimeters, performed and read in the United States or Canada within six months prior to enrollment at USC; or
2. Documentation of a positive tuberculosis skin test (PPD) and a written report of a negative chest X-ray performed in the United States or Canada, within six months prior to enrollment at USC; or
3. Documentation of INH therapy for prophylaxis for at least six months and a written report of a negative chest X-ray performed in the United States or Canada within six months prior to enrollment at USC.

A history of BCG immunization does not fulfill this requirement. Chest X-rays must be in the form of a written report. X-ray films will not be accepted. Students unable to provide the required documentation are asked to receive a PPD skin test and/or chest X-ray and provide us with that documentation.

Students may deliver immunization documentation to the University Park Health Center table during the Student Services Expo at the summer freshman and transfer orientation sessions. In addition, they can deliver documentation to:

USC University Park Health Center
Attention: Screening/Immunity Requirements
849 W. 34th Street, Room 120
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0311
Fax: 213.821.2740

For additional information, check the University Park Health Center website. You can also call 213.740.1163 or e-mail uphccomp@usc.edu.

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