Student Health Service
The mission of the Student Health Service (SHS) is to provide accessible and cost-effective quality medical care, enhance lifelong health and wellness, facilitate retention and graduation, and to reduce systematic health disparities for all registered students of SF State.
The SHS provides basic care for acute and chronic problems, promotes health awareness, educates students about preventive care, disease management and therapeutic choice, and helps students develop the skills to manage their own health.
The Student Health Service is next to the Ethnic Studies and Psychology Building, directly across the pathway from Burk Hall (education building) and east of the Student Services Building.
The SHS staff includes board certified physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, clinical assistants, pharmacists, health educators, optometrists, a nutritionist, a certified athletic trainer, an X-ray technologist, laboratory and support staff.
SHS adheres to the CSU Policy of the Board of Trustees on Student Health Services and is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC).
Operating Hours – During the academic year, the Student Health Service is open during the following hours:
- Monday-Tuesday-Thursday-Friday: 8:10 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
- Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Limited services Wednesday – 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. and daily – 4:45 to 5:00 p.m.
Student Health Services is closed on official University holidays. For January, June, July and August – Check SHS website for service hours at www.sfsu.edu/~shs/.
Contacts
Appointments: (415) 338-1719
Information: (415) 338-1251
Cancellations: (415) 338-1251, press “1”
E-mail cancellations: cnclappt@sfsu.edu
Online cancellations: https://shs.sfsu.edu
Prescription refills: (415) 338-1710 by phone
or online at https://centralrefill.com/refill.php?s=531
TTY: (415) 339-2564
Comments: shsdir@sfsu.edu
Emergencies on campus: (415) 338-2222 or 911
Emergencies off campus: 911
Web site: www.sfsu.edu/~shs
In the event of a medical emergency on campus, contact the Department of Public Safety at 338-2222. If a student is off-campus, he/she can dial 911. Cell phone users should be aware that all cell phone 911 calls are automatically forwarded to the California Highway Patrol.
Confidentiality. All patient-related information, including medical records, is secure and confidential. Written consent must be obtained prior to the release of any SHS medical records, except when otherwise required by law.
Services
Health services are offered to all students registered at a California State University campus that is supported by a health care fee. These services include:
Urgent Care Services – Basic care for acute and sub acute conditions, illnesses, and injuries.
Primary Medical Services – Health care by appointment for medical and health concerns, ranging from treatment for patients with chronic health conditions.
Women's Services – Evaluation and treatment of gynecologic problems, contraceptive education, exams, and prescriptions; emergency contraception; evaluation and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs); and evaluation and referral following sexual assault.
Family PACT – Provides access to family planning services for men and women, as well as education, counseling and treatment to protect students’ reproductive health at NO COST to eligible California residents. The program covers costs such as women’s annual exams, birth control methods (including, but not limited to, birth control pill, patch and condoms), and STI testing. Most SF State students are eligible for the Family PACT program and can enroll at the time of their first appointment at SHS.
Immunization Services – Immunizations for the prevention and control of common communicable diseases.
Pharmacy – Most medications prescribed by staff providers are at nominal cost. Prescriptions by outside physicians can be filled if the medication is in stock.
Nutrition Services – Individual appointments and group/classroom presentations on topics such as sports nutrition, weight management, eating disorders, vegetarian diet, nutrition assessment, and other nutrition-related topics.
Preventive Medicine – Health promotion, lifestyle and health assessment, patient education, and disease prevention programs.
Specialty Care Services
In addition to the above primary care services, the following specialty care services are available (for a nominal fee):
- Optometry: eye examination and prescriptions for glasses and/or contact lenses
- Podiatry: evaluation of lower extremity alignment, fitting for custom orthotics and treatment of other foot problems
Graduated Students
Students nearing graduation should seek alternate health care providers to ensure continuity of care. Limited care may be provided at the SHS for a brief period after graduation with a fee charged for these services. Family PACT services should be sought at Family PACT clinics in the community.
Care to Non-Students
First aid services are available to all SF State staff, faculty, and visitors. In addition, the SHS provides initial workers compensation evaluation for campus employees referred by their supervisor.
Athletic Injuries
The State of California, the University, and the Associated Students do not assume or acknowledge responsibility for injuries to students incurred during participation in athletic training, competition, or other activities. Students voluntarily participating in these activities assume the risks involved. Members of varsity athletic teams have supplemental insurance coverage for injuries received while participating in intercollegiate athletics. The team physician must authorize all treatment and expenses incurred. More information about the types and extent of medical coverage offered are available from the office of the Director of Athletics who administers the program.
Volunteer Opportunities at SHS
SF State students can become involved with SHAC or PEACHes!
SHAC: The Student Health Advisory Committee at San Francisco State is a student-run organization that makes recommendations in regards to student health services, programs and fees. SHAC meets weekly for lunch and discussions at SHS. See SHAC website for more details. www.sfsu.edu/~shs/PDF_Files/SHAC_Flyer.pdf.
PEACH: Peer Educators Advocating Campus Health Program trains students to act as Peer Health Educators. This job is challenging as well as rewarding. Responsibilities range from planning and conducting workshops/presentations in classrooms, residence halls, and fraternities/sororities to the supportive and behind-the-scenes “detail” work that make programming successful. See the SHS website for more info and a PEACH application. www.sfsu.edu/~shs/Health_Education/PEACH_Program.html.
Health Insurance
The Student Health Service provides most of the basic health services which students will need while they are enrolled at the University. Students may also need to use community services such as specialty services and testing (e.g. MRI), emergency care, or care for acute illnesses or injuries when SHS is not open. For these reasons, CSU and SHS strongly encourage students to have health insurance.
The Associated Students (AS) at SF State offers the California State University's (CSU) recommended health plan through their broker Wells Fargo Student Insurance Division. Students may apply online at www.csuhealthlink.com or visit the SF State Associated Students Office in the Cesar Chavez Student Center, M103 to pick up an application.
Campus Information for Required Immunizations
Entering CSU students are required to present proof of the following immunizations to the CSU campus they will be attending before the beginning of their first term of enrollment.
Measles and Rubella: All new and readmitted students must provide proof of full immunization against measles and rubella prior to enrollment.
Hepatitis B: All new students who will be 18 years of age or younger at the start of their first term at a CSU campus must provide proof of full immunization against Hepatitis B before enrolling. Full immunization against Hepatitis B consists of three timed doses of vaccine over a minimum 4 to 6 months period. If you need further details or have special circumstances, please consult [name of office or campus personnel]. Each incoming freshman who will be residing in on-campus housing will be required to return a form indicating that they have received information about meningococcal disease and the availability of the vaccine to prevent contracting the disease and indicating whether or not the student has chosen to receive the vaccination. These are not admission requirements, but are required of students as conditions of enrollment in CSU.
Prospective SF State students should send their completed "proof of immunization form"* of the REQUIRED immunizations to the Registrar's office BEFORE registration. The form can be downloaded at www.sfsu.edu/~shs/PDF_Files/Immunizations/immunization_form.pdf.
If you have any questions, please contact the Registrar's Office at 415-338-2350.
Registrar's Office, SSB 101 (ONE-STOP)
San Francisco State University
1600 Holloway Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94132
415-338-2350 (phone)
415-338-0588 (fax)
*Immunization records are not saved by the Registrar. Remember to keep copies!
Other Recommended Immunizations
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended college freshmen living in dormitories receive a newly-licensed meningococcal vaccine (Menactra vaccine).
Please visit “Vaccinate before you graduate” web site for the CDC recommendations: www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/teen-schedule.htm.
