Mission & Services

Immunizations and Vaccines are administered by a Registered Nurse under the direction of the Medical Director.

Please call at (781) 283-2810 to make an appointment for immunizations/travel vaccines.

Students with the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) will have the claim submitted for them. Students with non-SHIP will receive an electronic statement for these immunizations.  

If you have any questions please call our Billing Coordinator at (781) 283-2811.

Hepatitis A is a serious liver disease. It is spread from person to person through contact with feces of people who are infected. Poor hygiene practices and unsanitary conditions commonly spread the disease via contaminated water, fruits and vegetables, as well as through contaminated objects.  Many cases of Hepatitis A occur in standard tourist areas. Hepatitis A vaccine is given in 2 doses, 6 months apart.

Hepatitis B is a serious liver disease, spread through contact with the blood, semen and  other body fluids of an infected person. A person can become infected through contact with an infected person by sharing razors, toothbrushes, having unprotected sex, contact with blood or open sores, being stuck with a used needle or sharing needles, or during birth when the virus passes from an infected mother to her baby. About 1/3 of people who are infected with hepatitis B in the United States don't know how they got it. The vaccine consists of a series of 3 shots, given at 0, 1 and 6 months.

HPV/Gardisil vaccine prevents human papillomavirus (HPV) that may cause cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal, penile and throat cancer. HPV infection usually comes from sexual contact and most people will become infected at some point in their life, most infections will go away and not cause serious problems but some may progress to genital warts and cancer. 3 doses are recommended beginning at age 9 through age 26.

Japanese Encephalitis is a common mosquito-borne viral encephalites found mainly in Asia. JE is transmitted by the bites of mosquitoes. Most infections are without symptoms but if clinical illness develops, permanent disability occurs in half of those affected and the fatality rate can be as high as 30%. This vaccine comes in a 2-dose series given over a month.

Malaria is a always serious disease and may be a deadly illness.  It is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes and occasionally through blood transmission. Malaria is present in many warmer regions of the world and infection usually occurs between dusk and dawn. Travelers can protect themselves from insect borne disease by wearing long sleeved shirts and pants, using insect repellent containing DEET and bed netting. Preventive medication is recommended when traveling to areas where malaria is present. The type of medication used depends upon the region of travel and a prescription is necessary. It is imperative to complete the entire course of prescribed medication, even if feeling well upon return from travel and report any fever or flu like illness to your health care provider immediately (for up to 1 year). Cost can vary and depends upon region of travel, length of stay, and drug resistant strains of malaria.

Meningococcal (meningitis) is a serious infection of the tissue covering the brain and spinal cord.  It is transmitted through the saliva of an infected person and is spread through close contact activities such as kissing, sharing drinking bottles, utensils, cigarettes or being within 3-6 feet of an infected person who is coughing or sneezing. First Year students at residential colleges are found to be more susceptible to bacterial meningitis because of close living quarters and lifestyle activities.

MMR (measles, mumps and rubella)  These diseases are easily spread from person to person through the air by being around someone who is already infected.

Pneomococcal disease is caused by bacteria that can spread from person to person through close contact. It can cause ear infections and can lead to more serious infections of the lung (pneumonia), blood (bacteremia) and covering of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). Those with certain medical conditions and cigarette smokers are at higher risk.

Polio  is a disease caused by a virus which is spread by consuming food or drinks contaminated with the feces of an infected person. It can result in paralysis and permanent disability.

Rabies is a serious disease transmitted through the bite of an infected animal and can be fatal to humans. Vaccines are recommended and necessary for certain areas of travel where students will be working with or exposed to domestic or wild animals.

Tetanus/Diphtheria are both infections caused by bacteria. Diphtheria spreads from person to person through secretions from coughing or sneezing and can lead to serious breathing problems and fatality. Tetanus-causing bacteria enter the body through cuts, scratches or wounds and can also be fatal.  Vaccines should be up to date, and we will check your record for dates when you come in for your travel appointment. Certain areas of the world may from time to time issue traveler health warnings about these illnesses and others being present or endemic.

TdaP vaccine is a tetanus booster which also contains pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine.

Typhoid is a bacterial disease acquired from ingesting contaminated food or water. It strikes around 21 million people per year around the world and if not treated, it can kill up to 30% of people who get it. Some can become "carriers" who can spread the disease to others. Vaccination is available in form of a shot or taken orally in 4 doses.

Varicella (chicken pox) is a common childhood disease which can lead to severe skin infection, scars, pneumonia and possible death.

Yellow Fever is a mosquito-borne viral illness, which ranges in severity from a flu-like syndrome to severe hepatitis and hemorrhagic fever. The disease occurs in sub-Saharan Africa and Tropical South America where it is endemic and can at times be epidemic. One vaccination will provide protection for 10 years.  Proof of vaccination may be required for travel to certain areas of the world.

Wellesley College Health Service does NOT currently have Yellow Fever vaccine due to a national shortage.  Please consult the CDC website for local clinics that offer the alternative Yellow Fever vaccine, Stamaril.