Lee University Health Clinic Policy for Global Perspectives Trips
(Questions regarding this form should be directed to the Lee University Health Clinic at 423/614-8430)
The Lee University Travel Policy was developed to provide a measure of travel preparation for students and sponsors traveling in the Global Perspectives Program. Recommendations utilized in the development of this policy are referred to in guidelines from the American College Health Association, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Immunization Schedule set forth by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
Several immunizations needed for travel are series immunizations which require pre-planning in order to attain proper immunity. Additionally, those who have chronic health conditions may need additional physician exams, follow-up exams or medication regimens before travel can be granted. Lee University Health Clinic (LUHC) cannot guarantee immunization for any last minute travel plans or trips, as many of these immunizations are not in the clinic’s routine inventory.
- Every student/faculty/staff traveling out of the country are required to have a recent physical exam on file in the LUHC. The medical physical exam must be current (within two years) and cannot expire during the trip. No “waivers” will be allowed, and refusal to obtain a physical will negate travel.
- Physicals can be scheduled to be completed at the LUHC for $35.00 each. Mid-level providers will be scheduled to accommodate groups as needed. These clinics will be scheduled once during the fall semester and twice during the spring semester. The physical exam must include laboratory work (urinalysis, hemoglobin) in order for it to be complete and these tests can be done by the health clinic for a charge of $10.00 (referred to as the Pre-physical).
- This LUHC service is designed to accommodate the students who are traveling. As time and space permit, other travelers (faculty, sponsor, staff, chaperone, etc.) can request an appointment for a physical exam in the LUHC. However, it is recommended that other listed travelers have the examination(s) done by a private MD or at a walk-in clinic. Travel Physicals are not routinely done during regular clinic hours.
- All vaccines listed as required by the CDC and listed, as “High Risk” will be strictly enforced. Additional CDC recommendations will be explained fully, and encouraged (but not required) based upon the individual’s need, length of travel, activities planned during travel and destinations visited during travel. Students wishing to participate in travel who have not complied with Tennessee State Law and Lee Immunization requirements for matriculation immunizations will be required to complete these before traveling (requirements include MMRx2).
- Those students claiming a religious exemption for required immunizations will be given the opportunity to receive the needed immunizations for travel OR given assistance in finding an alternative trip within the United States. Health Clinic clearances are not granted to those who are non-compliant with physical and preventative immunization requirements. Trip sponsors will not assume a responsibility for, nor grant travel privileges to anyone who does not meet the standard requirements. All appeals to the religious exemption policy are made through the Vice President for Student Life.
- Due to the time required to prepare trip information and the time frame established to complete series immunizations, it is necessary to set up cutoff dates for completing trip itineraries and rosters of travelers. A minimum of two months notice must be provided to the Health Clinic in order that the trip information can be developed and processed.
- Every group will be scheduled for a mandatory Travel Clinic presented by a nurse from the LUHC.
- During this Travel Clinic, important travel wellness topics will be presented. The CDC vaccination requirements and medical requirements will be discussed as well. All applicable forms will be provided by the LUHC at this meeting. The group sponsor will schedule a travel clinic for his/her group within two weeks of notification of trip approval by Global Perspectives. A set date for group physical exams will be given at the travel clinic meeting. Individualized information sheets that contain pertinent health information such as immunizations needed for travel will be given to each student.
- The clinic director will send frequent updates of each individual’s progress to the group leader so the leader will be aware of those who are non-compliant with travel requirements. Group leaders will be responsible for contacting the students and urging them toward compliance. Final approval of all student health clearances for travel will be the responsibility of the Lee University Health Clinic.