Getting Medical Care and Services Available

The healthcare system can seem complex and confusing, but we're here to help you. Besides making a phone or clinic appointment for a medical condition, you can also make an appointment for us to help you navigate a specialty referral.

During an appointment with any provider:

1. Be prepared for your appointment. The medical provider will ask you questions about your illness, medical history, family history, and medications. Be ready.
2. Do not hesitate to ask questions! The only way you can take care of yourself is if you understand what is going on.
3. Don't be embarrassed- really, we've seen it all. Your medical provider is able to address your concerns regarding sexual matters (including contraception, sexually transmitted illnesses (STIs), and physical symptoms of your anal/genital regions), mental illness and suicidality, alcohol/drug use, or any other sensitive subjects.
4. Advocate for yourself. Let your medical provider know your specific requests and concerns. When we know what logistics you're dealing with, we can help you discover solutions that work for you.
5. Seek another opinion if you are dissatisfied or still have questions. It is reasonable to see another medical provider for another evaluation, whether it is at the Student Health Services or with an outside provider. This may provide some reassurance or provide a different way to approach a medical condition.

If you are not satisfied with your healthcare, ask questions! Everyone will try to assist you as best they can.

If a student is utilizing Counseling Services, they may speak to their provider about receiving a psychiatrist referral.

Student Health Services may be able to refill your medications after an in-person visit and review of your medical records. Your medical records must include your medical history, prior diagnosis, and neuropsychiatric testing.

• If a student requests prescriptions for medication for the treatment of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), all records regarding previous neuropsychiatric testing, diagnosis, and treatment must be provided and reviewed before the prescription can be written.
• If the student has not received a diagnosis or completed neuropsychiatric testing for this condition but suspects they may have this condition, consultation with psychiatry, including neuropsychiatric testing, will be required. Student Health Services can assist with referral to psychiatry and neuropsychiatric testing. Student Wellness Services does not perform neuropsychological testing to evaluate attention deficit disorder.
• The student must return to Student Health Services every one to three months, depending on their treatment needs.
• The medication is only to be used by the student and not to be given to other students.
• Student Health Services does not provide replacement prescriptions for lost medications.
• Please be aware when traveling abroad or over summer sessions, Student Health Services can only provide prescriptions for up to three months due to federal restrictions on the dispensing of controlled substances. Students must also check on the legality of their medication if traveling or studying abroad as some medications are classified differently in different countries.

Counseling Services supports and promotes the mental health of Caltech students in order to improve the quality of their lives and aid them in achieving academic success. Services are available to all eligible enrolled Caltech students and are NOT dependent on enrollment in any insurance plan.

Read about Services Offered and What to Expect.

We do not provide doctor's notes or verification for extensions.

Student Wellness Services does not routinely provide excuse notes or visit verification for students who miss class or assignments due to minor illnesses or injury. Students experiencing illness or other health conditions are encouraged to seek treatment at Student Wellness Services, where the illness or injury can be assessed and treated. If a student is moderately to severely ill, contagious, or is otherwise advised to avoid class, a clinician may, with student permission, communicate this to the deans' office. The deans may assist students by supporting academic accommodations or extensions; see the deans' office website for relevant policies around academic extensions for medical reasons.

Students experiencing minor illnesses, allergies, and injuries are encouraged to directly contact their instructors or teaching assistants and request any extensions or flexibility with coursework.

In the event a student experiences an ongoing health concern that impacts their academic ineligibility, Student Wellness Services clinicians may, with student permission, consult with the deans' office for the purposes of medical incomplete grades or a voluntary medical leave. Students who have not been under the care of a Student Wellness Services clinician or who present with only a historical account of illness or health concern will not receive a recommendation from Student Wellness Services.

Student Wellness Services does not perform clinical assessment, diagnosis, or documentation for disabilities. Students who wish to pursue academic accommodations for a disability are encouraged to contact Caltech Accessibility Services for Students (CASS) to learn about registration and requirements. Student Wellness Services can provide referrals to appropriate clinicians in the community, if desired.

Please see the Health Forms and Policies page.

TimelyCare - Virtual Health and Mental Health Visits (Free to all Caltech students regardless of insurance)

Sign up for TimelyCare

Caltech has partnered with TimelyMD, the leading virtual health and well-being solution in higher education, to offer students free and equitable access to medical and mental health through the TimelyCare platform.

TimelyCare serves as a 24/7 virtual extension of our health and counseling center resources. Through the TimelyCare webpage or smartphone app, Caltech students can now select from a wide-ranging menu of virtual care options from licensed physicians and counselors in all 50 states – at no cost and regardless of insurance coverage – including:

• On-demand medical care
• Appointment-based medical care
• On-demand mental health support (TalkNow)
• Appointment-based mental health counseling
• Digital self-care content

TimelyCare is available even to students on medical leave. You have access to TimelyCare as long as you have a working access.caltech account.

Some benefits to you:

• Convenient 24/7 care – Physical and mental health issues often present themselves outside regular business hours, and TimelyCare makes seeking support or treatment as easy and convenient as making a video or phone call. Nationally, about 40% of mental health care visits through TimelyCare occur after hours.
• Reduced wait times – Typical consultations for on-demand services through TimelyCare begin within 5-10 minutes.
• Diverse provider network – In addition to being from diverse backgrounds, TimelyMD providers are trained to be culturally competent. For example, more than 60% of mental health providers identify as BIPOC. The platform also offers professionals who identify as LGBTQIA+, speak multiple languages and/or have various religious and spiritual beliefs. Students can choose to meet with a specific provider or select the first available.
• Peace of mind – TimelyCare is a safe, secure, and HIPAA-compliant platform that follows up with Student Wellness Services to ensure continuity of care.

Please see the Medical Leave page.

There is no pharmacy at Student Health Services; however, we carry a limited supply of over-the-counter medication that can be dispensed to students for free.

The Health Center can refill on-going medications (ex. birth control pills, thyroid medications, ADHD medications, PrEP therapy).

Prescription medications are forwarded electronically to a local pharmacy. Payment is through your insurance.

The nearest pharmacies in the area are:

Walgreens
Address: 310 S Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101
Phone: (626) 583-8066

Rite Aid
Address: 1038 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91106
Phone: (626) 796-5539

CVS (Inside Target)
Address: 777 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101
Phone: (626) 795-5472

CVS
Address: 451 S Sierra Madre Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107
Phone: (626) 564-8681

Sometimes waiting is inevitable. Our staff works to minimize wait times while providing excellent care to all students who come to Student Health Services.

The most common reasons for having to wait even if you have a scheduled appointment are:

• Another student has an urgent problem needing immediate attention. For example, someone is bleeding from an accident.
• The patient scheduled before you arrived late but had an urgent need or concern.

Thank you for your patience as our health services staff does its utmost to provide quality care to all students.

• There are no x-ray or other imaging facilities at the Student Health Services.
• If an x-ray or imaging test is needed, students are referred to an imaging center in the local area. An order for the imaging test is written for the student.
• The imaging facility will bill your insurance coverage - the cost due to you will vary by insurance plan.
• The student must contact the imaging center to discuss details regarding setting up an appointment for the imaging test. Please inquire if any special preparation is needed for the imaging procedure (ex. fasting prior to the procedure).
• The student will be given instructions by the Student Health Services provider regarding how to follow up after the imaging test has been completed.

• Medical providers at Student Health Services are trained in primary care.
• For medical conditions that cannot be diagnosed or treated at Student Health Services, you may be referred to a specialist in the community.
• If you would like a referral from the Health Center to see a specialist, you must first see a provider at Student Health Services for an evaluation.
• If you need assistance with finding a specialist, please set up an appointment with Student Health Services to review the condition and obtain a referral note.
• If you think you need a specialist, but have never addressed your medical concern, please set up an appointment with Student Health Services to allow us to help find the right specialist for you.

• If you have the Caltech Anthem Student Advantage (ASA) insurance, you can self-refer to many specialists in the community.
• You can find information about all in-network specialists by visiting the Caltech Anthem Student Health insurance website or checking your own insurance plan's website.
• The health insurance you have determines what/how much is paid for and which providers are covered in the "insurance network" and which providers are outside the "insurance network." Note: It is the student's responsibility to make sure the provider is in your insurance network. You can call the office directly and inquire if they accept your insurance or check your insurance's website.
• The specialist is independent of Caltech and has their own process for evaluation and treatment. If there are questions about the specialty care, the student may ask the specialist directly, seek out another specialist for consultation, or return to Student Health Services to discuss the concerns.
• If the student has the Caltech Anthem Student Advantage (ASA) health insurance plan, the student may schedule an appointment with a specialist without a referral. A list may be found on their website: https://studentca.anthem.com/student/schools/caltech

1. Scroll down to "Find a provider" and click on the word "Medical." The words "Find Care Here" will appear; click on them, and a new page will open.
2. You will see a search box. Enter enter "Pasadena, CA" (or your desired city) in the location box.

Tips on preparing for your specialist visit:

• Write down your questions for your specialist visit.
• Bring your photo ID and insurance card to your visit and be prepared for any co-payment. Cost varies from insurance to insurance.
• Follow guidance for arrival and check in provided by the office. There are often forms to complete for the provider or health system. It's helpful to budget at least 15-30 minutes for check in.
• If you would like Student Health Services to send information to or receive information from your community providers, please make sure you sign a record release form.

Student Wellness Services is able to provide same day visits based on availability during open hours. Please call ahead if possible to improve our ability to accommodate your urgent medical condition or help direct you to a local resource for urgent or emergency care.

Student Health Services does not have an in-house lab, x-rays, or more advanced imaging (like ultrasound or CT scan). However, we can urgently refer you to community Urgent Care Centers or Urgent Orthopedic services for further evaluation and management.

Emergency situations are life-threatening or cause impairment (e.g. difficulty breathing for any reason, severe asthma, severe allergic reaction with throat swelling, unconsciousness or unresponsiveness, major injury with obvious fracture, open chest wound, spinal or neck injury, overdose, etc.).

For emergencies, call campus safety at (626) 395-5000 or call 911. BE PREPARED to say exactly where you are and what is wrong. You will be taken to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Please see the section on urgent care and emergencies after hours.

• Students can receive flu vaccines from any nearby pharmacy or on campus during the Caltech Influenza vaccine clinics which are organized by Human Resources and staffed by local pharmacies. These typically occur in early October.
• Student Health Services has a very limited number of flu vaccines for students who are unable to attend the October flu clinic. These are available after the flu vaccine clinic until supplies run out. Please call the clinic at (626) 395-6393 to check on supply before booking a visit.
• Please view the Vaccines page for additional information.

Before your visit:

• Please arrive 5-10 minutes before your appointment time to check in and complete any outstanding items that help create a smooth visit for you, so the medical assistant can take your vital signs, and your appointment can start on time!
• If your insurance has changed since your last visit, please inform the front desk.
• Check in at the computer kiosk with your Caltech ID card and then have a seat in the waiting room until your last name is called.
• Vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, temperature, and weight) are routinely taken for most medical appointments. If you do not want your weight measured or to know your current weight, please inform the health staff.
• You may be instructed to return to the waiting room until an examination room is available.
• If you do not have an appointment, please check in with the front desk to assist with facilitating your care which may include a referral to an urgent or emergency care provider in the community.

During your visit:

• Be prepared to answer questions about your medical condition(s).
• A physical examination may be needed and your provider will discuss recommendations for diagnosis and a treatment plan.
• Do not hesitate to ask questions about your care during your visit.
• You may need a lab draw which can often be done at Student Wellness Services or ordered at a local Labcorp station at a pharmacy such as Walgreens.
• You may need medications, please let your provider know which local pharmacy you prefer to pick up from.
• If you are unable to afford over-the-counter medications, please let your provider know - we may be able to provide some.
• If you would like to set up a follow-up visit, your provider can help you with that at the end of your visit, or you can book online using the Student Health Portal.

• Allergy shots (desensitization immunotherapy) are administered at Student Health Services under the direction of the student's allergist once students have reached the maintenance phase of therapy.
• The student must be in the maintenance phase so that they are on a stable regimen and must have received regular injections at the allergist's office for a period of time before injections can be done at Student Health Services.
• The student must bring the antigen solutions to Student Health Services for administration.
• The student must bring clear written instructions and authorization from their allergist's office.
• The student must make appointments and keep to the schedule of injections as per the allergist's office.
• Student Health Services allergy clinic policy will be reviewed and signed with the student at the initial visit.

If there are complications or non-compliance with allergy injections at Student Health Services, the student will be referred to a local allergist for treatment.

Crutches are available to loan to students if indicated for up to two weeks. They are available in different sizes to meet student needs and may occasionally be unavailable if being utilized by other students.

If needed for more than two weeks, Student Health Services can provide a prescription for students to use with a local durable medical goods supplier or purchase crutches for ongoing use.

The Convalescent Aid Society in Pasadena also provides free rental of medical equipment including crutches and wheelchairs.

Student Health Services can collect and prepare specimens for most common laboratory tests offered by Labcorp.

Laboratory orders generated by non-Caltech medical staff require a visit with a Student Health Services provider for review before a lab draw. Not all labs can be drawn onsite, and students may be referred to an outside drawing station.

Costs and Billing with Insurance:

For students with the Caltech Anthem Student Advantage (ASA) insurance plan, please refer to the student medical plan summary on the Benefits website for covered services and coinsurance responsibilities.

Students with other insurance plans should ensure that LabCorp is an in-network laboratory for their plan.

Some insurance plans preferentially work with Quest or Labcorp and have a different cost when labs are drawn out of network. Student Health Services can provide a lab slip that you can take to a Quest drawing location.

Students with Kaiser insurance will be referred to the nearest Kaiser facility for lab tests.

Alternatively, students may choose to have discounted lab fees billed to their Bursar's account and pay directly (Note: Student Health Services does not bill insurance plans).

Outside Drawing Station Locations:

Below are some nearby LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics locations. Orders are required to complete laboratory tests at these locations. Please check their websites for additional information:

• Home | Quest Diagnostics
• Lab Diagnostics & Drug Development, Global Life Sciences Leader | Labcorp

LabCorp

• 310 S Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91106 (inside Walgreens) - 0.2 miles from campus
• 960 E Green St, Ste 290, Pasadena, CA 91106 - 0.4 miles from campus
• 50 Alessandro Place, Ste A10, Pasadena, CA 91105 - 1.7 miles from campus

Quest Diagnostics

• 960 E Green St Ste 164, Pasadena, CA 91106 - 0.4 miles from campus
• 65 N Madison Ave, Ste 305, Pasadena, CA 91101 - 1 mile from campus
• 50 Bellefontaine St, Ste 101, Pasadena, CA 91105 - 1.7 miles from campus

SWS Lab Services at Health Services

Laboratory services are open from 8:30am to 3:00pm Monday to Friday with a closure from 12:00pm to 1:00pm and a late start at 9:00am on Wednesdays.

Results

Students will be notified via secure message about normal results or asked to come in for an appointment to review any results requiring further follow-up. Lab results are available in the Student Health Portal or by request through Medical Records.

Please send a secure message or call (626) 395-6393 if you have any questions regarding laboratory services.

When you need to fast before a blood draw:

• It is best to have your fasting blood test drawn between 8:30am - 10:00am. For your convenience, you can schedule an appointment through the Student Health Portal — please login using your access.caltech.edu credentials.
• Do not eat or drink anything (except water) for 8 to 12 hours before your test.
• It's important to drink plenty of water because it is easier to draw blood when you are well hydrated. Do not drink any other liquids; this includes coffee, decaffeinated coffee, milk, tea, or juice.
• Take your medication as directed, unless your healthcare provider has given you other instructions.
• We may ask you to reschedule your blood draw if you've fasted for less than 8 hours, longer than 12 hours, or have not hydrated properly.

Caltech Athletics is your main contact for the NCAA Student-Athletes Pre-Participation Evaluation section. All student athletes must complete the Caltech Athletics and Health Entrance Requirements processes. They are separate and both are required for incoming student-athletes.

If you plan to participate in intercollegiate athletics, you will be required to complete additional forms and a medical clearance process per NCAA bylaws. You should receive separate communication from your coach or the Caltech Athletics staff with steps to complete the items required to attend any team activities. Any questions can be directed to your coach, or Carly Horchler, Assistant Athletic Director, at carly@caltech.edu.

View the Pre-Participation Requirements.

Completion of the entrance health forms is required for every incoming undergraduate and graduate student. Please view the requirements and instructions.

• Preventative care and health screening services are available to all eligible enrolled students.
• The conditions most applicable to young adults and college students are:
  • measuring blood pressure
  • screening for sexually transmitted diseases (STIs)
  • screening for cervical cancer
  • obtaining recommended vaccines
  • maintaining a healthy weight
  • obtaining cholesterol screening
  • eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly
  • using sun protection, discussing alcohol and other drug use
  • stopping tobacco and nicotine use
  • screening for depression and other mental health conditions
  • screening for relationship violence

• Primary care is basic or routine healthcare available at Student Health Services which includes health promotion, disease prevention, health maintenance, counseling, patient education, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses in a medical office setting.
• This is provided as a service to all eligible enrolled Caltech students for FREE regardless of insurance coverage.
• There is no cost for the appointment but there may be cost for medications, laboratory tests, and x-rays which are obtained at outside facilities.
• Most common medical concerns can be diagnosed and treated. The most common reasons patients seek care are illness, injury, preventative care, and medical questions, but any health-related concerns can be addressed.
• If necessary, advice and instructions about receiving further diagnostic testing and specialist care can be given.

• Consultations regarding vaccines, travel medications, and travel advice can be made at Student Health Services.
• Prescriptions for travel vaccines are forwarded electronically to a local pharmacy.
• The student should know their areas of travel, dates, purpose of travel, types of accommodations, and special activities.
• For the latest travel vaccine requirements and recommendations, please see the CDC Travel site.
• A local Pasadena resource is the Healthy Traveler Clinic which offers travel consultation as well as onsite vaccines for a fee. The Healthy Traveler Clinic does not accept insurance. Payment can be completed through cash or credit card. Their office administers most travel vaccines including Yellow Fever.
• The Pasadena Public Health Department can be another resource for some vaccines. Visit their website for current prices and hours of operation. The Pasadena Public Health Department does not accept insurance. Payment can be completed through cash or credit card.

What to Expect

Annual exams for individuals with female anatomy include:

• History taking to understand health needs
• Physical exam including a breast and pelvic exam and pap smear if needed
• Possible laboratory testing including genital culture, blood tests, STI testing
• Birth control planning
• Results of any test done should be obtained within a week and will be sent to you via Secure Message on the Student Health Portal.
• A follow-up visit to discuss results is recommended. Students with abnormal results will be asked to return to the clinic to discuss results with a clinician and ob/gyn referrals will be made as needed.
• If results are normal, we can also provide birth control options. Please click the drop-down below to view options.

Annual exams for individuals with male anatomy include:

• History taking to understand health needs
• Physical examination including a genital exam
• Possible laboratory testing including genital culture, blood tests, STI testing
• Birth control planning
• Results of any test done should be obtained within a week and will be sent to you via Secure Message on the Student Health Portal.
• A follow-up visit to discuss results is recommended. Students with abnormal results will be asked to return to the clinic to discuss results with a clinician and ob/gyn referrals will be made as needed.
• If results are normal, we can also provide birth control options. Please click the drop-down below to view options.

Free condoms, dental dams, and lubricants are available at the following locations:

• RAs and health advocates in each house
• Student Health Services - in the hallway near the check-in computer kiosk

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Please only take what you need. Barrier contraception is also available for purchase at Red Door, at your local pharmacy, and online. Always double-check the expiration date!

Current recommendations for pap smears:

• Start at age 21 based on screening guidelines (Cervical Cancer Screening | ACOG)
• Repeat testing depends on age and results. Typically, repeat tests are every 3 years if results are normal and you are under 30 years old. Over 30 years, pap smears occur every 5 years if normal and negative for HPV.
• Abnormal results on a pap smear will be followed up as recommended by guidelines, which may include a repeat pap or referral to a gynecologist for an exam called a colposcopy (Colposcopy | ACOG).

There are three types of emergency contraception:

1. Over-the-counter emergency contraception, also called Plan B (Levonorgestrel)
2. Prescription emergency contraception, also called ella (ulipristal acetate)
3. Intrauterine devices (IUDs), both hormonal (Mirena) and non-hormonal (Copper), are options

Learn more about emergency contraception.

Over-the-counter emergency contraception (Plan B) is available in the vending machine on the second floor of the Hameetman Center. Please double-check the expiry date!

You can also purchase over-the-counter emergency contraception at your local pharmacy, Planned Parenthood, or online.

Student Health Services can provide prescriptions for the prescription emergency contraception ella and referrals for an IUD for a local provider. Health Services is dedicated to providing judgment-free care.

Caltech is a place where all members of our community are welcomed and valued for their unique, individual identities. Our clinic strives to provide gender-affirming care to our students. We want to support you and provide you with a safe place to ask questions, search for answers, as well as provide you with the well-person physical exam, screening tests, and laboratory work that is needed.

Individuals can experience dysphoria when living in a body and social role that is not congruent with their sense of self, as well as living in a society that can misunderstand and discriminate. We create a safe and therapeutic space so students can feel supported and affirmed for who they are.

Trans or questioning students seeking support can also contact Counseling Services for additional care for concerns related to the following (not exhaustive):

• Body dysmorphia
• Anxiety related to gender acceptance
• Coming out
• Gender dysphoria
• Adverse experiences like discrimination relating to gender identity

Gender affirmation consultation - We would like to explore your vision and understand what your goals are. We will provide you with medical consensus information on current medications, regimens, potential side effects, and medication interactions. All of this medical information, research, and recommendations will be available for you to peruse and contemplate.

Baseline physical health screening - In preparation for possible hormonal treatment, it may be necessary to complete a routine physical exam, laboratory tests, cancer screening, or fertility preservation.

Gender therapy planning - We would like to review your needs and assess the best way we can assist you in creating a hormone treatment plan that is safe for you and helps you fulfill the vision of who you are. This can be one visit or several visits, depending on your needs.

Continuation of care - If you already have an ongoing hormone therapy plan, we can communicate with your prior health provider to provide you with convenient access to care at SWS. We recommend an initial visit to help you more easily transfer health records.

Self-injection - We can also teach you how to safely and easily do self-injections for your medications.

For more comprehensive services, we are currently referring students to St. John's Transgender Health Program and the Los Angeles LGBT Center. UCLA Gender Health Program also provides comprehensive gender health services to students.

• St. John's Well Child & Family Center - Transgender Health Program
• Los Angeles LGBT Center
• UCLA Gender Health Program
• Cedars-Sinai Transgender Surgery and Health Program

Planned Parenthood provides hormone replacement therapy at all locations.

• Planned Parenthood Pasadena
• Planned Parenthood Alhambra
• Planned Parenthood Highland Park
• Planned Parenthood Glendora
• Planned Parenthood Baldwin Park

Health Services provides the following contraception prescriptions to students:

• Oral contraception (birth control pills)
• Vaginal ring (NuvaRing) and hormonal patch
• Birth control injection (Depo-Provera)

Students are referred to a local provider for the following long-acting reversible birth control options:

• Arm Implant hormonal birth control (Nexplanon)
• Intrauterine devices – non-hormonal (Copper IUD) and hormonal options (Liletta, Mirena, Kyleena, Skyla)

Our goal is to work with you to determine what the best method is for you, taking into account your health history and what's most important to you.

We do not stock contraception onsite. At the end of the consultation visit, you can receive a prescription at a local pharmacy OR a referral to a local provider for an IUD or implant.

Additional Resources about Contraception:

• Planned Parenthood - Birth Control

PEP stands for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis and involves taking HIV medication following a potential HIV exposure to prevent infection.

PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV and involves taking a medication called Truvada or Descovy every day to prevent HIV infection. PrEP® is a prescription medicine that can help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 through sex when taken every day and used together with safer sex practices.

Students may schedule an appointment with one of our medical providers to discuss their need for these therapies and may be given a prescription for the medication.

The Los Angeles LGBT Center is another resource that provides free PrEP consultation over the phone or in person; financial assistance information is available as well. Please visit prephere.org for more information.

For more information about PEP and PrEP in California, please see the California Department of Public Health Website on PrEP/PEP.

PrEP vs. PEP

• What's it called?
  • PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis.
  • PEP stands for post-exposure prophylaxis.
• When is it taken?
  • PrEP is taken before sex, drug use, or other HIV exposure.
  • In emergency situations, PEP is started within 72 hours after possible exposure and taken for a month thereafter.
• Who's it for?
  • PrEP is for people who don't have HIV and are at risk of getting HIV from sex and are at risk of getting HIV from injection drug use.
  • PEP is for people who don't have HIV but may have been exposed during sex, at work through a needlestick or other injury, during a sexual assault, or by sharing injection drug equipment.
• How effective is it?
  • Consistent use of PrEP can reduce the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% and from injection drug use by at least 74%.
  • PEP can prevent HIV when taken correctly, but it is not always effective. Start PEP as soon as possible to give it the best chance of working.
• How do you get it?
  • Ask your healthcare provider about a prescription for PrEP, or use PrEPlocator.org to find a healthcare provider in your area who can prescribe PrEP.
  • Within 72 hours after potential exposure to HIV, get a PEP prescription from your health care provider, urgent care, or an emergency room.

For more info, visit HIVinfo.NIH.gov.

General Information

Student Wellness Services offers visits to discuss concerns about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including reducing risk for STIs, testing and treatment.

Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Tests Available:

• Chlamydia / Gonorrhea
  • Avoid urinating for at least one hour prior to having the test to provide a "first catch" urine sample
• HIV (blood test)
• Syphilis (blood test)
• Additional tests can be ordered based on symptoms and history
  • Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 (swab test)
  • Hepatitis B and C (blood test)
  • Mycoplasm genitalium or ureaplasma when indicated

More Information on STI's:

• Centers for Disease Control | About Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

All health services visits and records are confidential.
All results are sent to your Student Health Portal.

Testing costs will vary depending on your insurance provider as all samples are sent to Labcorp for processing. Please consult with your insurance plan to understand more about coverage and what portion of bills will be your or the bill payer's responsibility.

The following locations can provide free or low-cost STI testing and treatment:

• Planned Parenthood Pasadena
• Planned Parenthood Alhambra
• Planned Parenthood Highland Park
• Planned Parenthood Glendora
• Planned Parenthood Baldwin Park

Human Papillomavirus (HPV 9) / Gardasil Vaccine

HPV 9 (commonly known as Gardasil 9) is a preventative vaccine available to adolescents and young adults from ages 9 to 26.
Gardasil 9 protects against HPV, genital warts, and cervical cancer.

I want to get vaccinated! Now what?

1. No prescription is needed. Call Rite Aid on 1038 E Colorado Blvd. (626-796-5539) or Walgreens Pharmacy on 310 S Lake Ave. (626-583-8066) to confirm the availability of the vaccine and coverage of the vaccine by your insurance.
2. Once both things are confirmed, go get the vaccine administered!

• Have the following readily on hand: a copy of your insurance card and a picture ID
• REMEMBER: Ask for a vaccine administration document for the health center

Read more about the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine on the CDC HPV vaccine information page.