Issue date: 8/17/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Steve Berry Laboratory work is among the services offered by Health Service. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are recommended.

When it comes to a sneezy, achy, good-for-nothing cold, the campus clinic is the first place many visit when away at college. Consider it a step up from the nurse's office from the high school of yesteryear, and the next best thing apart from mother's oh-so-comforting soup du jour.

But there's quite a bit more the SIUE clinic can provide, above and beyond the traditional antibiotic treatment. In the clinic, which is housed in the basement level of Rendleman Hall, students can find a variety of services from care for acute illnesses to check-ups, to all manner of immunizations, to screening and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases.

"Our office is happy to see any SIUE student that needs our services," Health Service director Riane Greenwalt said. "We are able to provide medical care, health education or a referral."

The most common reason why students visit the clinic is for acute medical care. This category includes students looking for medical help from colds, sore throats, sprains and stomach aches. But, there are also a sizeable number of students who come to the clinic for certain immunizations, which are required to register for classes.



Vaccinations

State law requires all students have the "MMR" immunization, meaning measles, mumps and rubella. And, every 10 years, students must get an immunization for tetanus and diphtheria. Depending on when a student had his or her last tetanus and diphtheria shots, the 10 year timeframe might expire, requiring a visit to the clinic for an update before registering for classes. Both shots cost $6 for students at the clinic.

There is also a host of other immunizations that students can get apart from state-required treatments.

"Health Service gives as many or more immunizations as a pediatrician's office, so we feel very competent about our service," Greenwalt said.

Two potentially fatal diseases, Hepatitis B and meningitis, can be prevented with immunizations. These immunizations are not required, but are highly recommended from the American College Health Association. Health Service provides both immunizations, as well as immunizations for hepatitis A, chickenpox, pneumonia and typhoid.

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