Health Concerns

Routine Care

We see students for routine visits for a variety of reasons, usually by appointment. Some examples of routine care include:

Physical Exams
Ongoing health concerns such as asthma, migraines and gastric reflux
Eating disorders
Follow up of illness
Persistent bone and joint problems
Care for other ongoing health concerns not listed
Follow up of concussions
Help with smoking cessation
Persistent fatigue
Follow-up for HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
Routine STI testing

Same-Day Concerns

Many same-day concerns are seen by appointment only:

Fevers, flu and coughs
Sore throats and mono
Rashes
Recent injury—twisted ankles, swollen knees, back and neck pain
Concussions
Other same-day concerns not listed
Vomiting and diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Concern about HIV prevention following a high-risk exposure, Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
Vaginitis
Urine infections

Sexual Assault

If you have been sexually assaulted, our Health Service staff has been trained to offer the appropriate care and resources, including resources to help you manage your academic responsibilities. We can perform STI tests and provide emergency contraception at no cost to ensure you have no barriers to care. If you are considering having rape evidence collected, we can refer you to a designated S.A.N.E. (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) Hospital and provide you with a transportation voucher so you do not incur any costs.

On-Campus Resources for Sexual Assault

Tufts University Police Department - Call 617-627-6911 (x66911) on campus for immediate medical or police assistance.
Health Service - During business hours we can be reached at 617-627-3350. For medical advice after hours, please call 617-627-3350 and follow the prompts to reach the after-hours nurses' line.
Counseling and Mental Health - During business hours we can be reached at 617-627-3360. If you want to talk with someone after hours, call the Tufts Police at 617-627-3030 and ask to speak with the counselor on call. Tufts Counseling and Mental Health Service is on call 365 days a year.
Office of Equal Opportunity - OEO exists to ensure every member of the Tufts community benefits from the university’s commitment to equal opportunity. Sexual misconduct violates the dignity of individuals. It is a form of discrimination based on sex or gender that violates federal Title IX regulations and is prohibited by Tufts policy.
Center for Awareness, Resources and Education (CARE) - CARE is a Tufts University-wide confidential resource for all students. CARE seeks to provide supportive, inclusive, accessible and non-judgmental services.
Ethicspoint Incident Report Form - Tufts University recognizes and understands that some individual filing complaints of discrimination, harassment, and or sexual misconduct or who are otherwise involved in an investigation may want their identity to remain anonymous. In all cases, issues of privacy must be balanced against the University's needs to thoroughly investigate and to take appropriate action.
Tufts University’s Sexual Misconduct Policy / Sexual Assault Policy (Title IX)
Reporting Liaisons

Immunizations

We offer a wide range of immunizations, including the immunizations you need to register for classes and those you need to travel.

COVID-19 Vaccine

Students (including undergraduate, graduate, professional, and non-traditional students) will need to be vaccinated prior to participating in on-campus classes or activities. For students at the Medford/Somerville/SMFA campus, the deadline will be the beginning of the fall semester. The University will assist students who have limited access to vaccine in meeting this requirement shortly after their arrival on campus. Like other vaccine requirements in place for students, medical and religious exemptions will be considered. Find more details about this COVID-19 vaccine policy, including information on how to submit proof of vaccination status.

Medford/Somerville/SMFA students should upload documentation through Tufts University’s Health and Wellness Patient Portal.

HPV Vaccine

Health Service carries Gardasil, one of two vaccines currently licensed for use against the human papillomavirus (HPV), the common virus that causes genital warts and cancer of the cervix, anus and throat. The Centers for Disease Control recommends vaccination for people up to the age of 45.

In(Flu)enza Vaccine Information

UPDATE 21-Jan-21: For up-to-date information please visit the University website.

Flu clinics are held every October, specific dates TBA. Seasonal influenza vaccines are available to students at Health Service at no cost and while supplies last. Flu season usually begins in October and can last through May. The university will be sending communications with details.

Why should you get vaccinated every year?

The flu is an unpredictable virus, more serious than the common cold that can lead to complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis or make chronic health problems worse.
Flu viruses are constantly changing and so does the vaccine formulation. The more students get vaccinated the less flu there is to be spread within the Tufts community.
Seasonal influenza vaccines are recommended every year for all Tufts University students. Even generally healthy people can get the flu but students with any chronic illnesses, such as asthma, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, etc., are considered to be at high risk for complications of influenza.

Where can I get vaccinated?

Tufts Health Service advertises flu clinics once our annual supply is received.
Come talk to us about getting your flu vaccine outside of Tufts Health Service or check with your insurance company by calling the number in the back of your insurance card.
If you have Student Insurance you can visit a Walgreens or a CVS Pharmacy. Call our Business Office at 617-627-3350 for a referral.

Medford/Somerville Campus:

CVS Pharmacy - One Davis Square Somerville, MA 02144 617-629-4156
Partners Urgent Care Center - Medford—127 Main Street, Medford, MA 02155 781-957-3160
Walgreens - 324 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington 781-643-4112
Walgreens - 343 Broadway, Somerville 617-776-5104

SMFA Campus:

CVS Pharmacy - 1341 Boylston Street, Boston 857-317-5221
CVS Pharmacy - 1249 Boylston Street., Boston 617-262-1254
Walgreens - 1630 Tremont Street, Roxbury Crossing, MA 617-232-5457
Walgreens Pharmacy at Joslin Diabetes Center - 429 Brookline Avenue, Boston 617-232-7506
Harvard Vanguard at Kenmore - 133 Brookline Avenue, Boston 617-421-1000

For additional influenza vaccine information, go to the CDC seasonal influenza website.

If you have any questions, you can reach Tufts University Health Service.

Fees

Many major medical insurance policies reimburse for standard immunizations from your primary care physician but may not reimburse for vaccinations given at Health Service so it is important to check with your insurance company before getting a vaccine through us. Most insurances policies do not cover the cost of travel-related immunizations.

The cost of immunizations varies -- some are inexpensive and others are costly. Our business office can tell you how much the immunizations you need will cost.

If you decide to receive an immunization at Health Service, and you have private insurance the charge for the vaccine will be put on your tuition bill. Please note, student insurance covers the cost of most immunizations. Travel immunizations, tend to be excluded from most insurance plans. You may download your statement on the Patient Portal.

Immunization Accommodations and Waivers

Massachusetts law does not allow philosophical exemptions for immunizations.
All students living in a campus residence or other congregate housing are required to receive the meningococcal vaccine unless they sign a waiver or qualify for an exemption. To request the meningococcal vaccine waiver, please complete the form provided here and submit to the Health Service Immunization Coordinator.
Massachusetts students must provide documentation of immunization, according to school requirements, or submit a medical or religious accommodation. Medical accommodations come from the student’s primary healthcare provider or medical specialist and must document a contraindication — the reason why an individual cannot medically receive the vaccine. Medical accommodation requests will be reviewed by Health Service. Religious accommodations are reviewed and approved by the Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO). Students requesting religious accommodations must complete the OEO religious immunization accommodation form and email it to oeo@tufts.edu, with a copy to Johny Laine at johny.laine@tufts.edu.

Chiropractor

Doctor Timothy B Donovan, DC, is our on-site chiropractor.

Availability

Academic Year: Most Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Summer Session: Most Wednesdays in the morning (hours may vary).

To make an appointment, contact:

Dr. Donovan at 781-670-9993

Insurance: Dr. Donovan accepts most major insurance. You will be responsible for any applicable deductible, copay, or coinsurance as determined by your insurance company.

Private Practice: Dr. Donovan also has a private practice at 2 Haven Street, Reading, MA 01867, and his office number is 781-670-9993.

Acupuncture

New England Integrated Health, LLC is offering on-campus services for students.

Availability

Acupuncture appointments are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am -5pm.

Scheduling

The easiest way for new and existing patients is to book online. Appointments can also be made directly by phone at 617-297-8549.

Existing patients can also book using our app/portal.

Is my visit covered by insurance?

Student Health insurance through United HealthCare Student Resources insurance plans cover acupuncture! A $30 copay does apply and is due at the time of service. For all other insurance plans please schedule online and we will verify your insurance coverage prior to the visit.

What to expect?

Appointments are 1 hour long and students will have access to all of our typical services, including acupuncture, cupping, and gua sha.

How do I complete paperwork prior to my appointment?

Once your initial appointment is scheduled you will receive an invitation to OnPatient. OnPatient is our patient portal where you will find the paperwork to fill out prior to your appointment which includes—contact information, health history, insurance information, and consent forms. A guide to OnPatient can be found on our website.

Is there a cancelation fee for last-minute canceled appointment?

Yes, we do have a 24-hour cancelation policy. Because it is difficult to fill a canceled appointment without sufficient notice, appointments cancelled without 24-hour notice will be charged a fee of $50. If you need to cancel your appointment please call, text us with at least 24 hours notice at 617-297-8549 or email info@newenglandintegratedhealth.com.

What do I do when I arrive to my appointment?

Please wait in the Tufts Health Services waiting room for your appointment.

Contacts

Scheduling: Ana Alvario
info@newenglandintegratedhealth.com
Phone: 617-237-6272

Acupuncture: Am Giang, Lic. Ac.
am@newenglandintegratedhealth.com
Phone: 617-294-9226