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Medical Checklist

Before you come to Merced, there are a number of ways you can plan ahead to avoid or minimize the complications caused by illness. 

Request What to Do

First-aid kit

Bring a first aid kit, including a thermometer. 
Remember, once on campus, Health Services is available to all registered students, regardless of health insurance coverage.

  

Health insurance coverage

If you are covered under a health insurance plan other than the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), carry your insurance card at all times.

Health summary

Bring a health summary from your health care provider if you have chronic health problems (such as asthma or diabetes). This helps our staff provide you with the best possible care. We also suggest you make an appointment to establish care with a provider before you become ill if you have ongoing health needs.

Hepatitis B 
immunization

Series of three doses required for enrollment at UC (for those under 19 on first day of classes) unless there is a medical contraindication.

Immunization records

Document your childhood/young adult immunizations at http://myhealth.ucmerced.edu.  Bring a copy of your immunization record(s) with you to campus and to your first appointment at Health Services.

 

Immunization recommendations

The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the American College Health Association (ACHA) recommends the following: 

  • Gardasil®, the newly recommended Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine. Recommended for girls and women from ages 9-26. Three dose series. 
  • Meningitis vaccine MCV4 (Menactra) for persons 11-18 years and persons 19-55 years at increased risk for meningococcal disease, e.g. college freshman living in dormitories. For more information about meningococcal meningitis, high-risk groups, the vaccine, please see Meningococcal Meningitis in the College Population.
  • Tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Td/Tdap). Following a complete primary series, a booster every 10 years. Tdap (Adacel) should replace a single dose of Td for adults who have not previously received Tdap. 
  • Varicella (chickenpox). Two doses one month apart if you never had chicken pox or if a blood test does not show immunity.

Prescription medications

Bring enough of your ongoing medications for the first month of school, and bring a copy of the prescription with you. Plan ahead for refills.

TB screening

Consider getting a baseline TB skin test if you come from an endemic area.