Husky Health Center does not offer vision services, and there are no general vision services provided through the University of Washington for students.
Since Husky Health Center is a member of UW Medicine, using another off-campus UW Medicine service for vision care can create a smoother experience for patients but is not necessary.
If you are not sure which program to contact, please email immunity@uw.edu.
Please be ready with your student ID number and/or UW NetID.
Phone: (206) 616-4672
Fax: (206) 543-4928
Email: immunity@uw.edu
Please be ready with your student ID number and/or UW NetID.
Phone: (206) 616-9074
Email: myshots@uw.edu
Monday through Friday, 8 AM – 4:30 PM PST
IVP and HSIP are closed in observance of all university holidays.
To make an appointment for immunizations or tests at Husky Health Center, please call (206) 597-5244.
The following programs are classified as “fully online.” Students in these programs are not required to fulfill general immunity requirements at UW:
List last updated: Summer Quarter, 2025
The Services and Activities Fee (SAF) is paid by enrolled UW Seattle students, and it supports a wide array of resources on campus, including Husky Health Center. SAF funds offset much of the expense of operating HHC, so we can focus on taking time to provide accessible and inclusive care for students.
Students who visit HHC receive priority access to medical care, provided by experts who understand the unique needs of academic life. Our approach helps HHC keep wait times for appointments shorter than in other clinics, because students aren’t competing with members of the community for an appointment.
HHC offers a wide range of services, programs, and benefits to students that would not be possible without SAF funding. Services that are unique and reserved only for current, SAF-paying students include:
• Priority access when establishing care and scheduling appointments at HHC; you must be an eligible student to schedule an appointment in the Primary Care or Same Day Clinic if you have never been seen here before. Access for certain other appointments is restricted.
• Zero out-of-pocket expense for the first office visit per quarter; visit must be for a medical condition or symptom. If the first visit of a quarter is not entirely covered by a student’s insurance, any remaining out-of-pocket amount related to the visit is considered pre-paid by SAF. Students are responsible for any additional charges related to their visit, including lab tests, x-rays, prescriptions, and supplies.
• Consultations with HHC insurance navigators.
• Counseling visits with HHC’s Patient Healthcare Advocate on sexually transmitted infections, contraception, and reproductive health.
• Safer sex and harm-reduction supplies like condoms, lube, dental dams, naloxone (Narcan), fentanyl test strips, and more.
This list is not exhaustive. These and other services at HHC are reserved for eligible students enrolled at UW Seattle who have paid SAF.
How can I treat my symptoms?
Cold, flu and other viral illnesses do not get better with antibiotics. Your immune system is your best resource for getting better. Antibiotics can make things worse if you take them when you don’t need to.
Your immune system is how your body fights illness. Supporting your immune system is the most important way to get you feeling better.
Seasonal allergies, which can cause cold-like symptoms, can get better on their or with medication.
How do I support my immune system?
How do I treat my symptoms?
The following symptoms are normal when your body is fighting off a virus:
Some people get stomachaches and diarrhea, too.
To help you rest and recover, consider treating your symptoms using one of the options in the table below. Usually there is no medical reason to treat your symptoms except to make you feel more comfortable.
| Symptoms | Suggested treatment(s) | Common over-the-counter brands |
| Body aches, headache, fever | Pain killer | Advil© and Tylenol© |
| Runny nose, congestion | Decongestant (cold/flu), antihistamine (allergies) or nasal steroid (allergies) | Sudafed© (cold/flu), Benadryl©, Claritin©, Zyrtec© (allergies), Flonase |
| Sore throat | Pain killers, throat lozenges, honey, gargling salt water | Advil© and Tylenol© |
| Cough | Decongestant and/or expectorant | Sudafed©, Mucinex© (cold/flu), Benadryl©, Claritin©, Zyrtec©, Claritin© (allergies) |
| Itchy nose and/or eyes due to allergies | Antihistamine | Benadryl©, Claritin©, Zyrtec© (allergies) |
These medications are available over-the-counter at a pharmacy, including at the Rubenstein Pharmacy. Ask pharmacy staff for help choosing a medication. The generic versions of these drugs are just as effective and cost less. Note that some medications, including certain decongestants, may be stored behind the pharmacy counter.
Should I worry about my fever?
A fever means that your body is working hard to defeat a virus. Cough and sore throat are due to irritation from the virus.
Keep an oral thermometer at home. This is the only way to know for sure if you have a fever. You will be asked about your temperature if you call your health care provider.
Very high fevers can be normal, especially with flu and COVID-19. Taking a medication to lower your fever will help you rest so you can get better but does not treat the underlying cause.
Call your health-care provider if you have a fever and shortness of breath (feeling like you can’t take a full breath or run out of breath more quickly than usual). You should also see a doctor right away if you have a fever of 102ºF or more.
| Temperature range | Fever? | What to do |
| 97° – 99.5° F (36.1° – 37.2° C) | No, normal temperature range | Treat other symptoms if needed (see above) |
| 99.6° – 100.3° F (36.4° – 37.4° C) | Yes, low grade | Take pain killers to reduce discomfort if needed |
| 100. 5° – 102° F 38° – 39.3° C | Yes, typical | Take pain killers to lower fever and rest; call your health care provider if fever lasts for more than 3 days |
| >103° F (39.4° C) | Yes, very high grade | Call your health-care provider right away |
In the United States medical system, sometimes a patient needs a referral from a healthcare provider to schedule an appointment with specific types of additional healthcare provider specialists (for example, dermatologists).
The American Academy of Family Physicians defines a referral as “a request from one physician to another to assume responsibility for management of one or more of a patient’s specific conditions. This represents a temporary or partial transfer of care to another physician for a specific time until resolved, or on an ongoing basis.”
If you think that you may need a referral to see a specialist outside of Husky Health, or you need to see a specialist that isn’t available at Husky Health, click the button below to schedule an appointment to receive a referral, or ask us any questions that you have. As part of UW Medicine, Husky Health Center is a great place to get a referral to UW Medicine’s excellent specialists.
At the University of Washington’s Husky Health Center, our Patient Health Advocate (PHA) is dedicated to supporting your overall health and well-being. A PHA acts as a bridge between you and the care you need, helping you navigate health resources and empowering you to make informed decisions.
What a PHA can do for you:
When to Reach Out:
How to Connect:
Our PHA is available through scheduled appointments, walk-ins, or health events throughout the academic year.
LGBTQIA+ Health & Well-Being at the University of Washington
Husky Health Center and affiliated services are committed to providing inclusive, affirming, and comprehensive care for LGBTQIA+ students. Whether you’re seeking medical, mental health, or community support, UW offers a range of resources to ensure your well-being.
LGBTQIA+ Medical Care
Mental Health & Counseling
The Counseling Center provides gender-affirming mental health support, including:
For more information, visit the Counseling Center at 401 Schmitz Hall or call 206-543-1240.
Additional Community & Campus Resources
We work closely with campus partners at the Counseling Center and Q Center to ensure the best possible care for our UW community.
The University of Washington is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where all students can thrive. If you have specific needs or questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to the resources above.
What is birth control?
Birth control is used to prevent pregnancy and treat certain medical conditions. There are many methods of birth control, including long-acting reversible contraceptives, short-acting hormonal methods, barrier methods and lifestyle methods.
Remember! Birth control methods, except condoms, do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV. To protect yourself from STIs, make sure to use a condom when having sex in addition to other birth control methods.
For a quick look at how different birth control methods compare, check out the chart below.
Long-Lasting Reversible Contraceptive
Long-acting reversible contraceptives are the most effective types of reversible birth control. The implant and hormonal and non-hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) are long-acting reversible contraceptives. They do not have to be used with any other type of birth control to prevent pregnancy effectively.
Hormonal IUDs include the Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta and Skyla IUDs.
The Non-Hormonal IUD available in the United States is the Paragard IUD.
Short-Acting Hormonal Methods
Short-Acting Hormonal Methods are the next-most effective type of birth control. They use hormones to prevent pregnancy and must be used on a schedule to be effective. They include birth control pills, hormonal rings, contraceptive injections and the birth control patch.
Barrier Methods
Barrier Methods create a physical barrier that blocks sperm from entering the uterus, sometimes used with a spermicide to be more effective. They must be used every time you have sex to be effective. They include condoms, internal condoms, diaphragms and birth control sponges.
Lifestyle Methods
Allergies Shots
If you have hay fever (allergic rhinitis), eye allergy (conjunctivitis), allergic asthma or a stinging insect allergy, you might benefit from allergy immunotherapy.
Husky Health Center does not currently offer allergy shots.
A great alternative is to reach out to the nearby Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Clinic at UW Medical Center – Montlake. UW Medicine specialists will administer a specific mixture of the substance that you’re allergic to in order to help your immune system become less sensitive to it over time.