Health Services

For Parents

There are many things to think about as you prepare to send your student to college.  Be sure to include information, supplies, and resources for health issues on your list.  Following are some suggestions that will make that first experience with illness or injury away from home go more smoothly.

Send a basic first aid kit stocked with a thermometer.

Include over the counter meds that may be needed such as:  pain/fever med ( ibuprofen or acetaminophen), cold/cough/decongestant, antibiotic ointment, hydrocortisone cream, etc.  A basic supply of the same preparations that your student is accustomed to using at home will be appropriate for use at college.

Prescription medications: Bring an adequate supply and a refill prescription for local use if needed.

Glasses and contacts. Update prescriptions and supply of contacts.

All students are required to have health insurance and will need an insurance card to access services.  Check with your insurance company to make sure your policy will cover care by local providers (Indianola & Des Moines). Simspon College offers Student Health Insurance, if interested please contact Health Service Staff.

Review with your student a plan of action if they become ill or injured.  A solid first step in your plan is to be evaluated by Student Health Service Staff. Staff will assist students in sorting though illness and injury and make appropriate referrals to primary care providers.

Student are responsible for communication with their professor if illness or injury should keep them from class.

Complete Student Health Form and return to Student Health Services by August 1.

Arrange for any remaining immunization booster over the summer. Resources for immunizations can be your local provider or local county public health office

Required Immunizations

  • MMR ( Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) - 2 Doses
  • DPT ( Diptheria/Tetanu/Pertussis) - Date primary series was completed
  • Tetanus Booster (Tdap): Within the past 10 years
  • Polio: Date primary series completed

Highly Recommended Immunizations

  • Meningitis if living on campus
  • Hepatitis B
  • Hepatitis A
  • HPV (Human Papillomavirus/cervical cancer)
  • Varicella(Chickenpox)

Last Updated: 11/18/11