Remember... it is okay to not be okay.

Mental Health Resources at Stanford

Stanford
Vaden Health Services
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Environmental Allergies/Hay Fever Management

Universities present lifestyle challenges due to being located away from families and family medical teams (even if only a few miles), changes in physical environment and exposure to different plant pollens, cafeteria dining, exposure to alcohol, change in pace of activities and stressors. You may have considered many of these factors already, but if you have not you may begin to think about how these will affect the management of your allergies. 

Medical Services decorative accent line (Palo Alto to Olive)

There are resources at Stanford available to assist you along this transition.  Vaden Health Center is available to provide Primary Care Services.  There is an Allergy Clinic at Vaden which may be used if you need to continue allergy shots when you are away from home.  Please note that there is a charge for allergy shots (see the Vaden website for fee listings).  In addition, Vaden offers general nutrition and wellness counseling as well as Counseling and Psychologic Services (CAPS).  The Continuity of Care Nurse at Vaden is available to assist you with managing your medical needs. You may contact her at 650.725.0984 for help obtaining the care you need while on campus.

Some things to consider as you prepare for Stanford

Topic Recommendations

Medications
  • If you have an allergy to a medication, make sure that information has been provided to the Vaden Health Center by completion of your entrance medical form health history.
  • If you take prescription medications for your allergies, make sure to consult your allergist or primary care physician prior to leaving home. Bring an adequate supply and your prescription information.
  • If you use an Epi-pen, make sure you bring a supply with you.
  • Make sure to familiarize yourself with the list of the over the counter medications that work for your allergies.
  • A Walgreens Pharmacy is located at Vaden Health Center.  You may use this pharmacy for your medications.  In addition, there are other pharmacies located within 1 mile of campus. 
  • Never take anyone else’s medication.
  • You should consider getting a flu shot when available in the fall. Vaden offers the flu vaccine at no charge for registered students.

Environment
  • Avoid triggers by making changes to your dorm room/apartment. You may need to work with your roommate on some of these alterations
  • Minimize exposure to irritants including: strong odors, pets, cigarette smoke, cleaning solutions, lotions, perfumes, and cosmetics.
  • Keep windows closed or minimize time outdoors during high pollen season and to avoid pollution.
  • If mites are a problem for you, consider “mite-proof” bedding covers and laundry detergent that kills mites
  • If you use a hepa-filter or dehumidifier, plan on bringing it to campus.
  • Keep your dorm environment clean from dust, mold, mites, etc.
  • Keep pets out of your dorm/apartment
  • If you need specific housing accommodations due to the severity of your allergies, you may contact The Office of Accessible Education (OAE). Be mindful of the documentation that will be needed. This is addressed on the website.

Insurance
  • If you are not planning to sign up for Cardinal Care Insurance, you should check to make sure your current insurance covers care at Stanford Health Care and Stanford Specialty Clinics.  If it does not, we strongly encourage you to enroll in Cardinal Care. This is especially important for students with pre-existing medical conditions.
  • Undergraduate students on full financial aid should check with the Financial Aid Office at 888.326.3773 regarding coverage of the cost of Cardinal Care prior to making a decision to waive coverage.
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Medical Condition Note

If your medical condition has specific treatment recommendations from your current provider, we recommend that you request a Transition of Care Summary from your current clinician. This document should include:

• Your diagnosis with ICD-10 code
• Your current status
• A brief history of treatments including those which failed
• Recommendations for care while at Stanford (including medical management and diagnostic tests)