Some appointments must be made over the phone, including those for psychiatry, faculty/staff
wellness, nutrition and counseling follow-ups.
Visit Appointments for a full list of appointment numbers. Virtual primary care visit
Measles Update (May 1, 2019)
As we near the end of the spring semester, we are cautiously optimistic and thankful
that UofSC has not experienced a measles outbreak on our campus. This public health
concern has been widely reported and has caused some universities to implement quarantine
measures.
Our efforts at the UofSC to ensure to the maximum extent possible that our students
are protected with measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine will no doubt help us
reduce the chance of an outbreak. However, the CDC expects the measles outbreak to
grow rapidly over the next few months.
Measles is highly contagious and spreads easily through the air when an infected person
coughs or sneezes. Ninety percent of people who have not had the measles vaccine
will get measles if they are exposed to the virus. You can get measles if you share
the same air with a person with measles, even up to two hours after the person has
left the area. Measles can also spread before the infected person has symptoms.
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Symptoms and Complications
Initial symptoms, which usually appear 10–12 days after infection, include high fever,
a runny nose, bloodshot eyes, and tiny white spots on the inside of the mouth. Several
days later, a rash develops, starting on the face and upper neck and gradually spreading
downwards. There is no treatment for measles.
Measles can lead to serious illnesses, hospitalization and even death. Serious illnesses
include bronchitis, laryngitis, pneumonia, ear infections that can result in hearing
loss and brain damage from encephalitis.
Pregnancy Complications
Immunity
To be considered immune, an individual must have received either two doses of the
MMR vaccine after the age of one or had a blood test showing the presence of antibodies
to the virus. If you do not know whether you have been fully vaccinated or had the
blood test, you should contact your healthcare provider.
Vaccine Safety and Effectiveness
The MMR vaccine is very safe and effective. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97%
effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective.
According to the CDC, people born before 1957, when measles was widespread, are assumed
to be immune since they probably suffered through an infection. Those born in the
years 1957 to 1989 may not be fully immunized in that the vaccine wasn’t as effective
and many only received one dose of the vaccine. Because of the outbreak in the US,
the CDC is recommending that individuals that were vaccinated between 1963 to 1967
to get a shot of the current MMR vaccine. Individuals born during 1957 and 1989 should
consider having a blood test to determine immunity.
Vaccine and Blood Test: Available at Student Health Services
Student Health Services is encouraging all faculty, staff and students to know their
immunization status for the measles as soon as possible. Our lab can perform a blood
test to determine your immunity or our immunization department can provide the MMR
vaccine.
We are offering these measures at a reduced cost to encourage everyone to be immunized.
The cost of the blood test is $29.00, and the cost of the MMR vaccine is $75.00.
Please contact our immunization department at 803-777-9511 for an appointment to get
the vaccine or contact our lab at 803-777-3958 to schedule an appointment for the
blood test. Walk-ins are welcome.
For more information you may contact the Center for Health and Well-Being or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Student Health Center Hours
Fall and Spring
Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.Sunday, 2 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Summer and Breaks
Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Medical Emergency: Call 911.
Sexual Assault or Interpersonal Violence Call 803-777-8248. After hours, call USC Police at 803-777-4215 and ask to speak to
an SAVIP advocate.
Mental Health Emergencies Mental health services for students in crisis are now available around the clock. Please call Counseling & Psychiatry at 803-777-5223 after hours to speak with a counselor
about urgent concerns. USC faculty and staff can also call at any time if they have
concerns about a student. All Counseling & Psychiatry appointments can be canceled
on MyHealthSpace . Get medication refills on My RX Space . Someone will follow up with you on the next business day if necessary.
If you think you may harm yourself or someone else, call the USC Police Department
at 803-777-4215.
Nearest Hospital Palmetto Health Baptist Hospital
Students have easy access to accredited and nationally recognized health care without
leaving campus. See a list of all services .
Primary Care
Get professional diagnosis and treatment for primary care needs: sore throat, cough,
stomach bugs, seasonal flu and more.
Counseling & Psychiatry
Choose from a number of mental health options, including group counseling, online
treatment and one-on-one consultations.
Lab Tests & Screenings
Request a screening for blood pressure, body fat, glucose levels, cholesterol , STIs,
pregnancy, sickle cell and more.
LGBTQ Health
Feel comfortable and welcome when you visit. All of our services are available to
all students.
Women's Health
Access a full range of women's health care services, including tests, contraceptives
and pregnancy counseling.
