Put Your Wellness First from Your First Day at Laurier

The Student Wellness Centre is your on-campus resource for physical and mental health care while you are at Laurier.  Our team of doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, and counsellor/psychotherapists are here when you need advice, medical care, or emotional support.  On the Waterloo campus, you can also see a registered dietitian, registered massage therapists, chiropractors, and physiotherapists.

As you get ready to arrive, there are things you can do that will help you be ready to take care of your health and wellness, so you can thrive at Laurier:

Bring A Valid Health Card with You

For Ontario residents, this means making sure your green Ontario health card has not expired, and making sure you have it with you whenever you visit the Student Wellness Centre.  We take all valid provincial health cards, and UHIP and GuardMe insurance for international students.

Vaccinations

Immunization is an important part of staying healthy and protecting the wellbeing of our whole Laurier community.  It is essential that you are up-to-date with Ontario Public Health's vaccination recommendations.

There is currently an outbreak of measles in Ontario, and all residents are strongly advised to be up-to-date with two doses of the MMR vaccine to prevent illness and potential interruptions to work and school due isolation requirements from Public Health. Read more about the measles virus here.

recommended vaccinations

Public Health Ontario and Canadian health authorities recommend the following immunizations for students:

• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): Two doses are typically required.
• Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap): A booster is recommended every 10 years.
• Varicella (Chickenpox): Two doses if you haven't had the disease.
• Polio: Ensure you have completed the full series, with the last dose after your 4th birthday.
• Hepatitis B: Typically administered in a series of three doses.
• Meningococcal Vaccines:
  • Quadrivalent (ACWY): Recommended for all students, especially those in residence.
  • Meningitis B: Particularly important for students aged 15–24, as this strain is prevalent in this age group.
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Two or three doses depending on age at first vaccination and what vaccination they received.
• Influenza (the flu): Annual vaccination is recommended.
• COVID-19: Stay current with the latest recommended doses.

preparing your immunization record

Make sure you are up-to-date on the above vaccinations before you arrive at Laurier.

Collect your records and documentation of your vaccination history and bring copies with you to school.

Check the Laurier website and the Student Wellness Centre main page to understand specific requirements and find out if you are missing any required vaccines.  Remember that public health guidelines and requirements could change between now and when you get here.

accessing vaccines at Laurier

We offer appointments in the Student Wellness Centre to review your immunization history and give vaccinations if you are missing vaccines from Ontario's routine immunization schedule.

Please note that some vaccinations may not be publicly funded for international students but may be covered under your student health and dental plan.

Continuing Complex Care from Home

If you are receiving complex medical or mental health care from a specialist or your family doctor, don't discontinue that care before you come to Laurier.  Talk to your doctor before you leave home to make a plan for prescriptions and follow-ups while you are at school.  Give us a call when you get here to discuss how we can support that plan.

Familiarize Yourself With Your Student Health and Dental Plan

The Student Wellness Centre does not administer the extended health plans, and we aren't able to answer your questions about your dental, vision, or drug coverage.  Visit the Undergraduate Health and Dental Plan or the Graduate Students Health and Dental Plan websites to check your coverage.

And don't forget that you can use all of the services in the Student Wellness Centre even if you opt-out of your student plan!

Contact Us as Soon as You Think You Need Counselling Support

As a Laurier student, you are entitled to access short-term, goal-directed therapy in the Student Wellness Centre.  Our counselling team are generalists, and they are experienced in many therapeutic modalities.  We offer a variety of options, including counsellors who serve black and racialized students and indigenous students and have also partnered with some faculties to offer appointments in locations across campus.  Appointments can be made for sessions in-person, by phone, or virtually.

We are here for you, so don't wait to call us when you feel like you need support.  If you need help when we are closed or if you prefer to access services in the community, visit our Off-Campus Counselling Resources page.

Visit Us When You Need Help; We Are Here to Support You

The team in the Student Wellness Centre is committed to delivering excellent services and to creating a welcoming, confidential, and nonjudgemental environment for all students.

To learn more about how the SWC can support you, read Here for Your Health: What Incoming Student Should Know About the Student Wellness Centre.

For a detailed explanation of sexual health care in the SWC, read Your Sexual Health at Laurier.

Visit our main page for current hours and contact information, and make sure you know where to get care when we are closed.