Health Services

Requesting Immunization Records

Authorization for release of medical records

Students may request records for personal use or to be sent to another institution.

Request records by fax/mail:

• Print and complete an authorization for release of medical records form. Complete the entire form and make sure student's printed name and signature are included. Parents may only request the records if student is a minor.
• Send the completed form to OBU Health Services Fax: 870-245-5244.
• Health Services attempts to be prompt with processing the request but please plan ahead for any deadlines you may have. It could take up to 14 days for processing.
• Health Services will fax your request if the fax number is made available. If it needs to be mailed, the records will need to be released to you personally.

Request records in person:

• Visit the Office of Health Services located on the second floor of Evans Student Center
• Complete the authorization to release medical records form 
• Upon staff availability records will be provided at that time, it may be mailed to the student's OBU post office box or another time may be arranged to pick it up.

*Please keep copies of records that are requested. Take a picture, keep in a medical file or upload records to available options on your digital devices.

Steps to upload records to student portal

Services Available

• Evaluation of minor Illness (colds, sore throats, headaches, coughs, upset stomach etc.)
• Over–the–Counter medications (OTC) with instructions for use
• A self-treatment option for OTC medications
• Health and wellness information and education
• Blood pressure and weight monitoring
• Minor trauma/injury care (sprained ankles, first aid, etc.)
• Equipment checkout such as crutches, wheel chairs, heating pads, etc.
• Referrals, as needed, to other health care providers
• A resource to listen to your concerns and make appropriate referrals as needing to our Ouachita Counseling Center or other health care providers
• Services for a minimal fee:
  • Flu shots- $20
    Flu vaccinations are available in Health Services annually for $20. Health Services does not file any insurance but is able to give the student a record of the shot that can be submitted to insurance companies for reimbursement per their policy.
    
    
  • Tuberculosis skin test-$10
    

    Tuberculosis skin tests are available on Monday, Tuesdays and Wednesdays during clinic hours with a fee of $10. The student must return to the clinic in 48-72 hours to have the skin test read and receive proof of screening.

    • Tuberculosis Screening:
      If a student was born outside the United States or have lived outside the United States for 6 months or more, they will be required to submit records of foreign born immunization and TB skin testing.  If students have been on mission trips outside of the United States, then it is highly recommended that students receive a TB skin test prior to coming on campus. Below is a TB questionnaire to help decide if the screening is needed. Failure to do so may prevent the student’s ability to register.
      Tuberculosis Screening Form

• • Allergy Shots with physician approval- semester fee- $20

    Allergy shots are given during limited times in Health Services since there must be a physician present. The student must coordinate between the ordering physician (allergist) and the campus nurse. The nurse must have the orders from the physician and the serum is to be left in Health Services.  There is a $20 per semester fee for allergy injections. See the Allergy Shot information sheet for additional information 

On Campus:

As a satellite clinic of Arkadelphia Clinic for Children and Young Adults, Dr. Wesley Kluck is available to see students by appointment on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1-4 p.m. and Fridays from 1:30-3:30 p.m. 

Dr. Kluck will file the student's insurance, but it is the student's responsibility to see if Dr. Kluck is in network with your insurance plan. The clinic also has a Cash Pay option by request. The Office of Health Services can assist you in making the appointment by calling 870-245-5244.

Off Campus:

Medical clinic and health care provider list.

Health Insurance for Students

Students at Ouachita will be responsible for any healthcare that is needed other than the free services that are provided by our Health Services.

Ouachita does not offer healthcare insurance policies for students. Certain Programs on campus require students to have insurance, international students (see international student resources ) and Ouachita student athletes (see athletics website).

Student's may visit www.healthcare.gov or there are many independent agents that are available to shop for individual healthcare. It is advised that every student have an insurance card with them while on campus.

We advise students to contact their provider prior to attending Ouachita to determine coverage in the Arkadelphia area. Many Healthcare insurance policies require you to use an approved network or doctors, hospitals and clinics. The insurance provider should be able to provide a list of approved healthcare providers in the Arkadelphia area (Zip code 71923). This includes emergencies, medical, mental health, vision and dental.

Ouachita Baptist University does not assume financial responsibility for professional services that require physician; medical, surgical, or emergency services: or for hospitalization. Students are financially responsible for any medical, dental, vision, chiropractic and/or pharmacy bills.

Immunization Requirements and Recommendations:

In accordance with the Arkansas State Board of Health Rules and Regulations pertaining to immunization requirement and Ouachita Baptist University immunization requirements, all students are required to provide legal proof of immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella.

MMR Vaccines: 

Undergraduate:  2 MMRs

Born outside of United States: 2 MMRs

Online:  1 MMR

Graduate:  1 MMR

To prove immunity, a copy of an official immunization record from a licensed medical doctor, an authorized public health representative, or a military record must be uploaded to your student Info portal before being able to complete the registration process before the semester begins.

An official record from another educational institution in Arkansas is also acceptable. In lieu of receiving the vaccine, immunity can be shown by providing documented evidence of appropriate serological testing. (Lab titers for measles, mumps and rubella)

Exceptions:

Students who were born prior to January 1,1957, and those who have applied for or received a medical or non-medical exemption (philosophical/religious exemption) from the Arkansas Department of Health. The Arkansas Department of Health can be contacted for the application by email at [email protected], by phone at 501-661-2169 or online at https://onlineimmunizationexemption.adh.arkansas.gov.

Once the exemption letter is received from the Arkansas Department of Health it can be uploaded into the student Info portal. THIS MUST BE REQUESTED YEARLY PRIOR TO THE START OF THE SEMESTER.

 

Immunization Frequently Asked Questions

 

International Students: Please contact The Grant Center for International Education for the appropriate forms to complete. 

Download immunization requirements for Ouachita Baptist University

 

Recommended Immunizations/Vaccines (not required):

• COVID-19. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines here.
• Arkansas Act 1233 of 1999 requires the Office of Health Services to inform students of a bacterial infection known as meningitis. Although meningitis is rare, individuals who live in close proximity to many others, such as residence halls, have a slightly higher risk of contracting this disease. There is a vaccine available and Ouachita Baptist University recommends that all students living in residence halls discuss receiving this vaccine with their Health Care Provider. Per the CDC meningococcal conjugate vaccines are designed to protect against four serogroups (A, C, W, and Y), while serogroup B meningococcal vaccines help protect against one serogroup (B). There are currently no meningococcal vaccines that can help protect against all common serogroups that cause most meningococcal disease.
• The following are immunizations for incoming college students as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American College Health Association (ACHA). Vaccine-preventable diseases continue to occur on American campuses and this can be a good time to update any immunizations to help prevent these diseases. These are not required only recommended:

• • Tetanus/Diptheria/Pertussis (TDAP) – Booster every 10 years
  • HPV or Human Papilloma Vaccine – Three doses for lifetime immunity
  • Hepatitis A Vaccine – Two doses for lifetime immunity
  • Hepatitis B Vaccine – Three doses for lifetime immunity
  • Influenza Vaccine – Offered Yearly
  • (Meningitis Vaccine) – Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccines and Serogroup B Meningococcal Vaccines

Class & Work Absences:

It is the student’s responsibility to know the attendance policy of each individual class. The Office of Health Services will give the student a Record of Visit form upon request at the time of the visit. If a student is going to miss classes for an extended period due to medical reasons, then please contact Health Services to discuss the situation and each case will be evaluated individually.

Health Services will not give students chapel excuses. Those must be discussed with Chapel Coordinator if there is an issue. 

Health and Authorization Form:

A brief Health and Authorization form must be completed by the undergraduate student and uploaded to their student Info portal prior to their entrance semester.  There is an authorization portion of the form that is available for students to indicate who is authorized for the Office of Health Services staff to share protected health information with.  If a parent/guardian calls to discuss their student, the Office of Health Services is unable to speak with them unless their student has given written permission.

Download Health and Authorization form

 

Immunization Requirements and Recommendations:

In accordance with the Arkansas State Board of Health Rules and Regulations pertaining to immunization requirement and Ouachita Baptist University immunization requirements, all students are required to provide legal proof of immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella.

MMR Vaccines: 

Undergraduate:  2 MMRs

Born outside of United States: 2 MMRs

Online:  1 MMR

Graduate:  1 MMR

To prove immunity, a copy of an official immunization record from a licensed medical doctor, an authorized public health representative, or a military record must be uploaded to your student Info portal before being able to complete the registration process before the semester begins. For more information go to the Immunization tab.

 

Tuberculosis Screening:
If a student was born outside the United States or have lived outside the United States for 6 months or more, they will be required to submit records of foreign born immunization and TB skin testing.  If students have been on mission trips outside of the United States, then it is highly recommended that students receive a TB skin test prior to coming on campus. Below is a TB questionnaire to help decide if the screening is needed. Failure to do so may prevent the student’s ability to register.

Download Tuberculosis Screening Form

 

A COVID-19 vaccine is recommended, but not required for enrollment at Ouachita. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines here.

All forms must be uploaded to student Info portal.

Incoming Student Forms (Steps to upload records to your Info portal)

Immunization Requirements

Health and Authorization Form:

A brief Health and Authorization form must be completed by the undergraduate student and uploaded to their student Info portal prior to their entrance semester.  There is an authorization portion of the form that is available for students to indicate who is authorized for the Office of Health Services staff to share protected health information with.  If a parent/guardian calls to discuss their student, the Office of Health Services is unable to speak with them unless their student has given written permission.

Health & Authorization Form

Tuberculosis Screening Form

Consent for a Minor Form

Release of Information Form

Counseling services are available to help Ouachita students with a wide range of mental health challenges – from test anxiety and dealing with stress to grieving the loss of a loved one or depression, among others. One-on-one sessions, group sessions and online screenings and resources are available.

The Ouachita Counseling Center is located on the first/lower floor of the Evans Student Center, in the hallway behind the Campus Post Office, in ESC 137. They provide in-person individual counseling sessions to students, various support groups, and telemental health remote counseling as well.

See Ouachita’s Counseling Services