Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

What do I need to know about meningococcal meningitis?
Please click here to find out!

Does Health Services provide medical excuses?

Skidmore College Health Services recognizes that students are expected to attend every class. We advise students to contact their professors directly (preferably before missing a class) to make arrangements to accommodate their illness, if necessary. Health Services cannot vouch for past or present illnesses. As an emerging adult, we believe you, and feel strongly that your professors do as well.

Therefore, the Health Services policy is as follows:
Verification of medical illness notes are not given to document visits to Health Services.

What is a Nurse Practitioner?
A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse who has advanced education and clinical training in a health care specialty area. Most NP's are certified in their specialty area. An NP can provide direct patient care, diagnose and treat health problems, education and counseling and write prescriptions, among many other things.

Do antibiotics interfere with my birth control?

The actual incidence of pregnancy in women who take antibiotics while on birth control pills is unknown. There have been few reports considering the huge number of women who take birth control pills each year. However, there is a risk. For example, the antibiotic rifampin will interact with your pill and other antibiotics may interact (Penicillin, Amoxicillin, Bactrim, Tetracycline, Minocycline, Flagyl, and Nitrofurantoin). Some women may be more susceptible than others to getting pregnant when taking both antibiotics and birth control pills. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to predict which women are at high risk. To help women avoid pregnancy while using an antibiotic and for at least one week afterward- it is generally recommended that a female use a condom or spermicide as a back-up method of birth control. Most women and physicians prefer to err on the side of caution when it comes to antibiotics and birth control. Despite the fact there is little evidence supporting a massive increase in pregnancies with antibiotic use, it is better to be safe than sorry. A partner taking antibiotics will not interfere with a woman’s use of birth control pills.

Does Health Services sell the new HPV vaccine, Gardasil?

Health Services does offer the vaccine for students. Gardasil is currently recommended for girls and women between the ages of 9-26 years. It is given as a 3-dose series:

1^st Dose: at first appointment

2^nd Dose: 2 months after Dose 1

3^rd Dose: 6 months after Dose 1

At Health Services, the cost for Gardasil is $150.00 per dose ($450.00 for the complete 3 shot series). This cost may be paid by billing one’s student account, using a Skidmore  ID debit card, or paying cash at the time of visit. Receipts will be provided upon request to submit to the student’s private health insurance for reimbursement. More and more insurances are now covering the cost of the vaccine. No appointment is necessary to receive Gardasil at Health Services. If a student has received the first and/or second doses of Gardasil from another health care provider, we ask that a copy of that immunization record be provided before subsequent doses are provided in Health Services.

Are condoms available from Health Services?

Health Services sells condoms at a cost of 10/$1.00. The Center for Sex and Gender Relations also sells condoms for the same price and distributes dental dams at no charge. Non-latex condoms are sold there at a cost of 6/$5.00.

Do I need to have a physical every year?

As incoming freshman, students are required to have a physical performed by their health care provider within 12 months of arrival on campus. For freshmen participating in intercollegiate sports, there is an additional sports history and physical form that needs to be completed as well. Returning athletes are required to have a sports review that will be done upon return to campus, prior to the beginning of the season. The sports review provides an update on student athletes’ health status as well as a brief exam. There is no physical examination requirement for upperclassmen not participating on an athletic team.

Does Health Services provide any services for students traveling abroad?

Immunizations, required physicals, and individual counseling are available for those traveling abroad. An appointment is required and can be made by calling extension 5550(518-580-5550). We use the current CDC guidelines when discussing recommended and required vaccines, mosquito and tick protection, safe food and water, and illness and injury abroad. There is no charge for the visit although there are fees associated with the immunizations. These will be discussed at the time of visit. Health Services does not administer vaccines for Japanese encephalitis or yellow fever. If these vaccines are desired an appointment can be made with the Saratoga Public Health Department at 518-584-7460.