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Are students required to have a PHYSICAL EXAM every year?

No. A physical exam is only required for newly admitted freshmen and transfer students. All varsity athletes (returning and new) are required to have a physical exam dated within 6 months prior to the first day of practice. Physical exam forms and other required health forms are available via the Magnus Health portal on the New Student Health Forms page.

What IMMUNIZATIONS are REQUIRED for admission to Wheaton?

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health requires that all students attending a post-secondary institution must present documentation of the following immunizations:

  • Tdap (Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis) – 1 dose within the last 10 years
  • Primary DTP series
  • Hepatitis B – 3 dose series or positive titer proving immunity
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) – 2 doses or positive titer proving immunity
  • Varicella (Chickenpox) – 2 doses or positive titer proving immunity or physician confirmation of history of disease
  • Meningococcal (Meningitis) – optional but strongly recommended.  If vaccinated with Menomune (MPSV4) more than 5 years ago, a second dose of Menactra/Menveo (Men ACWY) is required at age 16 or older. For those who received Menactra/Menveo (MCV), at least one dose is required to be administered at age 16 or older.

The vaccine administration record and other required health forms are available via the Magnus Health portal on the New Student Health Forms page.

What should I do if my child has not been vaccinated because IMMUNIZATIONS are medically CONTRAINDICATED or immunizations are contraindicated based on our religious beliefs?

Please complete a Medical/Religious Exemption form available online via the Magnus Health portal.

Where is Sturdy Health Primary Care – Norton, the student health center, located and how does my child go about seeing a health care provider?

Sturdy Health Primary Care – Norton, located at 14 Taunton Ave, Norton, Ma. is Wheaton’s designated on-campus health center and provides routine medical care to all Wheaton students regardless of health insurance plan. Sturdy Health Primary Care – Norton is not a walk-in clinic; students must call 508-285-9500 to schedule a same or next day appointment. Hours of operation are Monday – Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. All Wheaton students, regardless of their health insurance plan (Wheaton’s or personal), are seen free of charge at Sturdy Health Primary Care – Norton; there is no cost and no co-pay for an office visit. Any associated lab work, procedures, treatments, and/or prescriptions will be billed to your child’s health insurance and your child will be responsible for any deductibles or co-pays incurred.

If my child is unable to be seen at Sturdy Health Primary Care – Norton, are there OTHER HEALTH CLINICS nearby?

Yes, there are several walk-in health clinics nearby:

CVS Minute Clinic
West Main Street
Norton, MA
508-285-4032
Bring insurance card, picture ID, and copayment. Currently not providers for MA Blue Cross Blue Shield; call to confirm accepted insurance plans.

Mansfield Walk-in Health Center
200 Copeland Drive
Mansfield, Ma
508-339-4144
Bring picture ID, insurance card, co-payment, and, if you belong to an HMO, a referral.

Armistice Urgent Care
209 Armistice Blvd.
Pawtucket, RI
401-725-4100
Physical exams available. Bring insurance card, picture ID, and copayment.

Compass Medical Urgent Care
21 Bristol Drive
Easton, MA
508-565-7100
Bring insurance card, picture ID, and copayment.

Tristan Medical – Urgent Care/Occupational Health
184 W Main Street
Norton, MA
508-824-0243

Sturdy Memorial Urgent Care
60 Messenger St, Plainville, MA
508-809-6262

Brigham and Women’s Urgent Care
20 Patriot Pl, Foxborough, MA
508-718-4400

What if my child needs health care when Sturdy Health Primary Care – Norton is CLOSED or needs emergency care?

If your child becomes ill after Sturdy Health Primary Care – Norton has closed for the day, he/she may call 508-285-9500, leave a message with the answering service, and the doctor-on-call will promptly return the call to recommend the best next step. For emergency situations any time of day, students should contact Wheaton Campus Safety at 508-286-3333 or dial 911.

Is there an INFIRMARY on campus?

No, there is no traditional overnight infirmary.

What if my child needs TRANSPORTATION to an off-campus medical appointment
What if child’s primary care physician would like to order BLOOD WORK?

Walk-in laboratory facilities are available at Sturdy Health Primary Care – Norton Monday through Friday from 8 – 11:30 a.m. Before your child arrives to have blood work drawn, please fax the physician’s orders and documentation to Sturdy Health Primary Care – Norton at 508-285-3388.

Are ALLERGY SHOTS available at the health center on campus?

No, Sturdy Health Primary Care – Norton does not administer allergy shots but the following allergists are located nearby:

  1. Allergy & Asthma Specialists
    550 N Main Street
    Attleboro, MA
    781-769-9045
  2. Donald Accetta, MD
    101 Industrial Park Road, Suite 307
    Taunton, MA
    508-880-3121
  3. AAP Asthma & Allergy Physicians
    35 Summer Street
    Taunton, MA
    508-822-4100

Contact each office to confirm whether serum from your child’s present/previous allergist is acceptable. Check with your insurance company regarding coverage for specialists and whether there are any charges or deductibles which are not covered by your health plan. At the time of each office visit, your child will be asked for insurance information and a co-payment. They will also be required to remain in the allergist’s office for 30 minutes after receiving your allergy injection.

My child is covered under my personal HEALTH INSURANCE plan. Do I need to enroll in the health insurance plan offered by Wheaton?

Massachusetts law requires that your child’s health insurance be equivalent to or better than the state’s minimum standards. If your child currently has coverage, it is their responsibility to determine that it meets or exceeds the coverage available through the health insurance plan available through Wheaton. Please refer to this Student Health Services webpage for more information regarding waiving or enrolling in the plans offered by Wheaton and important information regarding the Accident & Sickness insurance plan (major medical) or the Accident Only insurance plan (secondary plan specially designed for varsity athletes).

Whom should I contact with QUESTIONS regarding Sturdy Health Primary Care – Norton, health insurance, available health care options, or for copies of immunization/provider records?

Kate Puopolo, LMHC – Associate Dean for Health and Wellness & Director of Counseling, at [email protected]. She is available to answer specific questions regarding Sturdy Health Primary Care – Norton, as well as concerns you may have regarding your health insurance coverage, on- and off-campus options for health care, and other health-related issues.

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