In compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, 45 C.F.R. Parts 160 and 164 (HIPAA) that protects patient confidentiality, Eastern University will not share health record information, unless such sharing is permissible or required under law.

Generally individual student health records are not retained beyond seven years after a student graduates or otherwise leaves the University. It is highly recommended that students keep personal copies of all of their medical records including records of immunizations and documentation concerning tests for disease.

Students are encouraged to educate themselves thoroughly about patients' rights under HIPAA.

HIPAA Disclosure & Notice of Privacy Practices

Patient Rights & Responsibility

Authorization For the Release of Health Records

The following immunizations are required of all incoming, first year, transfer and international students who will be attending classes full-time on the St. Davids campus. 

Required: 

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): Two doses are required. 

• Dose 1 must be administered after the first birthday, and the second given a minimum of four weeks later. 
• A blood test showing immunity is also acceptable. 

Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis: (Tdap): Administered within the past 10 years 

Hepatitis B: Three doses are required. 

• A blood test showing immunity is also acceptable. 

Tuberculosis Skin Test (PPD or Mantoux): Performed within 12 months prior to the first day of classes. (All International Students will receive a PPD test upon arrival to EU.) If the result is positive, a follow-up chest x-ray or blood test will be required. 

Meningococcal A,C,W,Y (Menactra or Menveo): *One or two doses required for all students residing in campus housing. 

• *CDC Recommendations: All 11 to 12 year old adolescents should be vaccinated with a single dose of quadrivalent (protects against serogroups A, C, W, and Y) meningococcal conjugate vaccine. Since protection wanes, a booster dose is recommended at age 16 years so adolescents continue to have protection during the ages when they are at highest risk of meningococcal disease. Eastern University students are required to be vaccinated with meningococcal ACWY conjugate vaccine after age 16. If they received an initial dose before their 16th birthday, they must get a booster dose after age 16 for maximum protection. 
• Please note: The Meningitis B vaccine does not take place of Meningitis A,C,W,Y vaccination. 

Polio (IPV or OPV): Last date in either 3 or 4 dose series 

Varicella (Chicken Pox): Two doses of chicken pox vaccine are required at least one month apart.

• A blood test showing immunity is also acceptable. 

Highly Recommended Immunizations: 

The following vaccinations are recommended by the American College Health Association, but are not mandatory to attend Eastern University. 

Meningococcal Group B Vaccine Series (Bexsero or Trumenba)
Hepatitis A
Human Papillomavirus Series (HPV)
Influenza 

Housing Students (Meningitis) 

Pennsylvania State law requires all college students to receive information about meningitis/meningococcal disease and the vaccine, and to either receive the vaccine before coming to college, or sign a waiver. 

In accordance with the law, Eastern University is providing information about meningococcal disease (Meningitis) and about the vaccine. 

All students assigned to University residential housing, must: 

1. Review information about the risks of meningococcal disease, and the availability and effectiveness of the vaccine;
2. Decide whether or not you will obtain the vaccination

The staff in the student health center does not provide written excuses covering class absences, missed examinations, etc., except under certain circumstances.  At the request of an instructor and with the permission of the student, the health center will verify visits to the student health center.

• If a student misses a class due to an illness, the student should contact their instructor ASAP to inform them of the absence
• If a student has an extended illness or hospitalization, the health center should be advised with a physician’s note.  The student health center will advise the Dean of students to notify appropriate faculty.  

In alignment with CDC guidelines, students and community members who test positive for COVID-19 are no longer required to isolate for five days. However, the following measures must be followed:

• Masking: Individuals must wear a well-fitting mask when around others for 10 days following a positive COVID-19 test.
• Avoiding Crowds: As with any infectious illness, individuals should avoid crowded public areas until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.
• Monitoring Symptoms: While symptoms may persist beyond fever, individuals should only return to regular activities once symptoms are clearly improving.
• Medical Attention: If symptoms do not improve or worsen, individuals are strongly encouraged to seek medical advice before resuming full participation in school or community activities.

Please note that the status and impact of COVID-19 in the community continue to evolve. We urge all members to stay informed and prepared for updates based on guidance from local health authorities.

The University fully supports and respects the choice to wear a mask—whether you're unvaccinated, protecting someone you love, or simply feel more comfortable doing so.

• Health Center Requirements: Students who are experiencing symptoms are required to wear a mask while inside the Student Health Center.
• Mask Availability: Masks are available at the Student Health Center for any student who may need one.

We encourage a community culture of care and understanding. Please be respectful of individuals who choose to wear masks for their own health or the safety of others.

At the Health & Wellness Center, one of our core goals is to provide high-quality healthcare that respects each student’s individual needs and rights. Achieving this goal requires a shared commitment between students and healthcare providers. The following rights and responsibilities are essential to fostering a respectful and effective care environment.

As a Student, You Have the Right To:

• Receive care and treatment with courtesy, respect, privacy, and consideration.
• Be provided with clear and understandable information about your diagnosis, prognosis, treatment options, and any associated risks.
• Refuse examination or treatment by health practitioners, and to be informed of the potential consequences of your decision.
• Be referred to alternative healthcare providers when appropriate or upon request.
• Actively participate in decisions related to your healthcare and treatment.
• Know the identity and role of your healthcare provider.
• Review your medical records created and maintained by the Health & Wellness Center, and to request amendments in consultation with your provider.
• Have your medical records kept private and confidential in accordance with applicable laws.
• File a grievance with the Nurse Practitioner if you believe any of your rights have been violated.

As a Student, You Have the Responsibility To:

• Treat Health & Wellness Center staff with courtesy and consideration.
• Provide complete and accurate information about your immunizations, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, and allergies to support proper diagnosis and treatment.
• Ask questions or request clarification to ensure a full understanding of your health condition or treatment plan.
• Follow the agreed-upon treatment plan, including medication instructions and follow-up visits. Notify your provider if the plan cannot be followed, your condition worsens, or unexpected reactions occur.
• Keep scheduled appointments or cancel them in a timely manner to allow others to use the time slot.
• Respect the privacy and confidentiality of other patients.
• Accept financial responsibility for any charges incurred from health care providers, hospitals, or urgent care visits that occur outside of the Health & Wellness Center.

If you have any concerns or questions regarding these rights and responsibilities, please contact the Nurse Practitioner of the Health & Wellness Center.