Medical Arrangements
General
Students should bring all relevant medical records and prescriptions with them. Being up-to-date on medical and dental care could avoid unforeseen difficulties arising here in Rome. Remember, it will likely be two years before you see your doctor and dentist again.
No immunizations are required for travel to Italy. However, shots may be required to gain access to other countries, particularly ones in Africa and Asia. These can be arranged through the College infirmary if necessary.
Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses
Students who wear glasses are encouraged to bring a second pair with them in case of damage or loss. Those who wear contacts should also bring a pair of glasses. In both cases, students should remember to bring a copy of their prescription. Rome’s air quality often presents a problem for lens-wearers. Regular lens cleaning solutions can be purchased in KNAC. It is available in Rome as well, but it is very expensive. Those with sensitive eyes requiring special solutions are especially advised to bring their own supply, since special solutions are not easily available in Rome.
Health Care and Medication
The College infirmary is equipped to provide for some basic medical needs and is designed to provide short-term in-patient care (flu, cold, etc.) as well as emergency first aid. The Sisters of Mercy of Alma staff the infirmary, with office hours two afternoons per week. In the city there are several English-speaking physicians who can be easily contacted through the infirmary for a full range of medical care. A podiatrist also visits the College about three times a year to deal with foot issues related to sports injuries or injuries from simply walking on cobblestone one hour a day. The podiatrist charges about €30 for a 30 minute treatment.
Students should bring a three-month supply of any required special medication with them. Also, their physician should indicate the generic name, not the trade name, of the prescription (if a generic prescription can be taken) so that substitutions can be made if necessary. Shipping prescription medications from back home may be impossible, expensive, or, in the very least, subject to long delays at customs.
Prescriptions written by a doctor in the US cannot be filled by a pharmacy in Rome. Students will have to visit a doctor in Rome to get a new prescription should this become necessary. It might be helpful to bring a supply of a few non-prescription medicines (e.g., Tylenol, aspirin, cold medicine, sinus medicine, anti-acids, etc.), as they can be expensive and difficult to find in Rome. Any student taking these medications on a regular basis should also bring a supply with him. Provision for a special diet can be made through the College Refectory.
Updated 30 March 2012
