Appointments are required. Please note that both in-person and telemedicine appointments are available. You may visit our patient portal to schedule an appointment. To access the portal, log into MyCCGA here, and select "Health Center."

The Student Health Center (SHC) is staffed by a licensed Nurse Practitioner and a Registered Nurse who are committed to a high standard of professionalism and excellence in service. Students are seen by appointment, but walk-ins are welcome. The Student Health Center (SHC) is located on the second floor of the Campus Center. Please call (912) 279.4537 or visit our patient portal to schedule an appointment.

Services available but not limited to:

• Cold and Flu Symptoms
• Pregnancy Tests
• Urinary Tract Infections
• Immunizations and TB Testing
• Allergy Shots (with orders from provider)
• Strep Testing
• STI Testing
• Athletic and Nursing Physicals
• Blood Pressure Checks
• Minor Injuries
• Ear Infections
• Allergies
• Flu Shots

What We Cannot Do

• Pelvic Exams (Pap Smears)
• Contraceptive Services
• Chronic Disease Management
• COVID-19 Testing

The Student Health Center (SHC) will use community resources to provide expanded health care services for students. These resources include: Glynn County Health Department, Southeast Georgia Health System (our local hospital), and local physicians offices. (Referals for services not available in the Student Health Center are based upon the student's health insurance policy). Please note that the Glynn County Health Department and the Glynn Immediate Care Center offer COVID-19 testing. If you have displayed COVID-19 symptoms, been tested, or received test results, please complete the self-report form here.

Release of Information

Students ages 18 and over must sign a release of information giving Student Health Center staff permission to speak with the student’s parents/guardians about their care, except in emergency situations. In cases of an emergency, the student’s parents, guardians or emergency contacts will be notified.

Students under the age of 18 must have parental consent for treatment.

Lactation Room

A lactation room for nursing mothers is available in the Student Health Center (SHC). This space is available for all students, faculty and staff. Please contact Thearon Filson at (912) 279.5804 or email healthcenter@ccga.edu for more information.

Staff

LorieAnn Wright, NP
Linda Burke, RN
Thearon Filson, Health Services Coordinator

The Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia has established immunization requirements for all new students (first-year, transfers, and others) as directed by policy consistent with recommendations provided by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, developed collaboratively by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia and the Division of Public Health of the Georgia Department of Human Resources.

Students may request immunization records from their employer, local health department, military records, or primary care provider.

Patient Portal

You may use our patient portal to upload immunizations, schedule appointments with the provider, pre-register for your visit, and much, much more.

To access the portal, login to MYCCGA and select the Health Center link on the left side of the page.

Certificate of Immunization

This form must be signed and stamped by a health care professional.

Students have 30 days from the date of enrollment to submit required immunizations to the health center. Failure to comply with this policy will result in a "hold" being placed on the student's account. This "hold" will prevent students from registering for future classes.

Please use the patient portal to submit your Certificate of Immunization to the Student Health Center.

Immunization Requirements

• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) - 2 doses or Proof of Immunity
• Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis or Td booster - 1 dose of Tdap or one Td booster if it has been ≥ 10 years after receiving Tdap
• Hepatitis B - 3 doses (required for students who are 18 years of age or younger at time of enrollment).
• Varicella Vaccine – 2 doses or history of disease). – Required for all students born in 1980 or later.

If you plan to live on campus it is recommended that you receive the Meningitis vaccine.

The following students are required to have student health insurance that meets the minimum standards set by the University System of Georgia. Students in these categories who are not covered by a policy held by a parent, spouse, company, or organization on the approved waiver list or if the policy does not meet the minimum standards must purchase the USG SHIP policy.

• All undergraduate, graduate and ESL international students holding F or J visas.
• All undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in programs that require proof of health insurance

Students who do not already have coverage may purchase a student insurance plan that is contracted through the University System of Georgia. Information on the plan and its coverage is available at https://www.uhcsr.com

Students who fall into one of these categories and are already covered by an insurance policy (i.e. through parent plans, family plans or employer-sponsored plans) can easily opt out of the plan through a secure on-line process. Once the information has been verified, all charges will be waived. students both undergraduate and graduate) who fail to submit creditable health insurance information will automatically be enrolled in and billed for the system-wide student health insurance plan.

For more information about Student Health Insurance please contact the Bursar's Office at 912.279.5746.

What is Meningitis?

Meningitis is an acute inflammation of the membranes protecting the brain and spinal cord; it is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection, but can also be caused by but can be a result of injury, cancer, or certain drugs. The severity and treatment of meningitis will differ based on whether the illness is caused by a virus or bacterium. Viral meningitis is generally less severe and resolves without specific treatment, while bacterial meningitis can be quite severe and may result in brain damage, hearing loss, learning disability, or even death. Some types of meningitis can be prevented by a vaccine.

Viral Meningitis

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms may not be the same for every person. The more common symptoms are fever, severe headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to bright lights, drowsiness or confusion, and nausea or vomiting.

Is viral meningitis a serious disease? Viral meningitis is serious but rarely fatal in persons with normal immune systems. Usually, the symptoms last from 7 to 10 days and the person recovers completely. Often the symptoms of viral meningitis and bacterial meningitis are the same. For that reason, if a student has these symptoms, he/she should go to the Student Health Center or other healthcare provider for assessment and treatment.

How is viral meningitis treated?

No specific treatment for viral meningitis exists at this time. Most patients recover completely on their own, and doctors often will recommend bed rest, plenty of fluids, and medicine to relieve fever and headache.

Is viral meningitis contagious?

The viruses that cause viral meningitis are contagious. However, most people exposed to the viruses causing meningitis will not develop the disease. They may have no symptoms or develop only a cold or rash with low-grade fever. Typically, less than 1 out of 1,000 persons infected actually develop meningitis. Therefore, if you are around someone who has viral meningitis, you have a moderate chance of becoming infected but a very small chance of developing meningitis.

How is the virus spread?

Enteroviruses, the most common cause of viral meningitis, are most often spread through direct contact with respiratory secretions such as saliva, sputum or nasal mucus. This usually happens by shaking hands with an infected person or touching something they have handled, and then rubbing your own nose, mouth or eyes. The incubation period is usually between 3 and 7 days from the time you are infected until you develop symptoms. You can usually spread the virus to someone else beginning about 3 days after you are infected until about 10 days after you develop symptoms.

How can I reduce my chances of becoming infected?

Because most persons who are infected with enteroviruses do not become sick, it can be difficult to prevent the spread of the virus. If you are in contact with someone who has viral meningitis, however, the most effective method of prevention is to wash your hands thoroughly and often.

Bacterial Meningitis

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms usually appear within 5 days of exposure and include high fever, chills, headache, nausea and vomiting, confusion, stiff neck or back, and abdominal, back and extremity pain. Symptoms can develop over several hours, or they may take 1 or 2 days. These symptoms, particularly in the early stages, may resemble common upper respiratory ailments such as the cold or flu. If a student experiences progression of cold symptoms to more severe symptoms, including a persistent and severe fever, headache, nausea and vomiting, confusion, extreme physical weakness, and a purplish rash, he or she should immediately contact the Student Health Center or his/her healthcare provider for assessment and treatment.

Is bacterial meningitis contagious?

Bacterial meningitis is contagious; however, it is not easily transmittable. Indirect or casual contact (such as being in the same room with someone who is infected) is not enough to cause transmission of bacterial meningitis. Direct contact with someone who has bacterial meningitis does increase the likelihood of being exposed to it. This includes direct exposure to oral or nasal secretions, which result from the coughing or sneezing of an infected person. Therefore, good hygiene practices help prevent its transmission. Do not share eating or drinking utensils.

Who needs preventive antibiotics to protect against bacterial meningitis?

Persons who have had recent intimate or direct exposure to someone with meningococcal disease may be at increased risk for contracting meningococcal disease and should receive prophylactic medication. Intimate or direct exposure is through kissing, sharing eating utensils or glassware, or droplet contamination with nose or throat secretions from the infected individual.

Can meningitis be treated?

Unlike viral meningitis, bacterial meningitis can be treated through the use of antibiotic therapies. Students with persistent symptoms they are unsure about should contact the Student Health Center or visit their doctor.

The Student Health Center staff stresses the importance of being informed about this health issue. Students with any concerns about the effect of bacterial meningitis on their health and well-being should not hesitate to contact the health center for information and clarification of their concerns.

Meningitis Vaccine

A vaccine exists that protects against four of the five serogroups of bacterial meningitis. It does not protect against serogroup B, which accounts for approximately 32% of all cases in the 15 - 24-year-old age group. The vaccine produces protective antibodies in 7-10 days and is effective for 3 - 5 years. Adverse reactions are mild and infrequent, and include pain and redness at the site of the injection.

For more information about the meningitis vaccine, talk to your physician or visit the Centers for Disease Control website.

Meningococcal Disease

As of January 1, 2004, all postsecondary educational institutions in Georgia are required to provide information on meningococcal disease and vaccination to each newly admitted freshman or matriculated student residing in campus housing (Official Code of Georgia Annotated 31-12-3.2).

Meningococcal disease is a serious disease that can lead to death within only a few hours of onset: 1 in 10 cases is fatal and 1 in 7 survivors of the disease is left with a severe disability, such as loss of a limb, mental retardation, paralysis, deafness or seizures. Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitis and occurs when these bacteria, which can live harmlessly in the nose and throat of healthy people, invade the tissues or bloodstream of the body. Meningococcemia occurs when N. meningitidis enters the bloodstream, meningitis occurs when the tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord is invaded, and pneumonia occurs when the bacteria infects the lungs.

Meningococcal disease is a contagious but largely preventable infection of the spinal cord fluid and the fluid that surrounds the brain. Meningococcal bacteria are spread from person-to-person by direct contact or intimate exposure with an infected person's oral or nasal secretions, such as saliva or respiratory droplets. Intimate or direct exposure is through kissing, sharing eating utensils or glassware. Fortunately, the bacteria are not as contagious as the common cold and does not spread by being in the same room or breathing the same air as an infected person. The bacteria are not transmitted by routine contact in classrooms, restaurants, bars and restrooms where an infected person has been.

Approximately 5 to 10% of the general population carries the meningococcal bacteria in the nose and throat in a harmless state. This carrier state may last for days or months and seems to give those individuals who harbor meningococci in their upper respiratory tract some protection from actually developing the disease state.

Scientific evidence suggests that college students living in residence hall facilities are at a moderately increased risk of contracting meningococcal disease. The incidence of meningococcal meningitis has increased since the early 1990s, including cases at U.S. colleges and universities. Recent data also show students living in residence halls, particularly first-year students, have an increased risk for the disease.

Data suggests that certain social behaviors, such as exposure to passive and active smoking, bar patronage and excessive alcohol consumption, may increase students' risk for contracting the disease.

Immunization against meningococcal disease will decrease the risk of the disease. A vaccine is currently available at the Student Health Center, which protects against four of the five serogroups of meningococcal meningitis. It does not protect against serogroup B that accounts for approximately 32% of all cases in the 15 - 24-year-old age group. The vaccine produces protective antibodies in 7-10 days and is effective for three to five years. Adverse reactions are mild and infrequent, and include pain and redness at the site of the injection.

Students should be aware of common symptoms of meningitis, including stiff neck, headache, fever, sensitivity to light, sleepiness, confusion, and seizures. Meningococcal blood infection causes fever and rash. Anyone exhibiting symptoms should see a healthcare provider even if they had the vaccine.

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Local Health Care Options

If you have a medical emergency please dial 911 or visit the nearest emergency room. CCGA Campus Police can be reached at 912.258.3133.

Below are several local health care options that you may contact for assistance.

GLYNN COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
2747 4TH STREET 106
BRUNSWICK, GA 31520
(912) 264-3961

COASTAL COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES
106 SHOPPERS WAY
BRUNSWICK, GA 31520
(912) 275-8028

GLYNN IMMEDIATE CARE
3400 PARKWOOD DRIVE
BRUNSWICK, GA 31520
(912) 466-5800

ERGENT MED-1
5248 NEW JESUP HIGHWAY
BRUNSWICK, GA 31525
(912) 264-1883

APPLECARE
1111 GLYNCO PARKWAY
BRUNSWICK, GA 31525
(912) 264-9111
 

CAMDEN
APPLECARE URGENT CARE
1375 EAST KING AVENUE
KINGSLAND, GA 31548
(912) 576-6865

MCKINNEY MEDICAL CENTER
711 CHARLES GILMAN JR AVENUE B
KINGSLAND, GA 31548
(912) 510-9728

The College of Coastal Georgia's Office of Wellbeing and Support is seeking applications for our Student Health Advisory Committee (SHAC) to support campus-wide physical and mental health initiatives and input into Wellbeing and Support programs and services. We strive to have a group that is representative of Coastal Georgia's student body, so we welcome students of all ages, classifications, and residential status. Additionally, we want students who represent a diverse range of identities and affiliations such as veterans, athletes, international students, the LGBTQ community, and communities of color. The SHAC Board will serve as a vital connection between the Office of Wellbeing and Support and the campus community.

Click here to view the application