Parents

Frequently Asked Questions

Health Services

1. Are there charges for services at the University Health Center?

   There is no charge for seeing any of the providers at the Health Center, however the following services may require a fee: laboratory testing, medical equipment, immunizations, oral and other contraceptives, and allergy medications. Medications from the University Pharmacy are dispensed without charge (up to a cap) each fall and spring semester with a few exceptions that require a co-pay.

2. Should my son or daughter carry medical insurance?

   It is recommended that every student have medical insurance. Although the Health Fee covers many services at the University Health Center, it does not cover the costs of seeing a specialist or going to an emergency room. The student would need to have medical insurance coverage for these costs just as they would if they were at home. We strongly recommend that if your son or daughter is not adequately covered under your own insurance plan, that you purchase insurance offered through the University to cover the costs of any medical emergency or specialty care. Please see the Health Center website at www.albany.edu/health_center for more information.

3. What vaccines are recommended?

   Each student must file proof with the University Health Center that he/she has had two Measles vaccinations, one Rubella vaccination and one Mumps vaccination. In addition it is recommended that all students receive the meningococcal vaccination, a recent tetanus booster (within 10 years), pertussis booster and hepatitis B vaccine series. Most of these vaccines (with the exception of the meningococcal vaccination) are offered at the Health Center for an additional fee if students decide to receive them after they are attending. During the beginning of the fall semester a Meningitis Clinic is offered on campus for students wishing to receive that vaccination.

4. If I call the Health Center, can I get health related information about my son or daughter?

   If your son or daughter is under the age of eighteen the answer is yes, but once that student is over eighteen both New York State and federal laws prevent us from releasing any of the students private health information without written consent from the student. Even if the student is under the age of eighteen, some medical treatment information may not be released to parents concerning sexual health issues and concerns, contraceptives, and drug abuse treatment.The one exception would be in the case of a medical emergency when the student is incapable of informing the parent. In this case we would actively seek to notify the parent of the situation.