Student Health Services

Free HIV testing with Fairfax County Health Department

In recognition of National HIV Testing Day, the Fairfax County Health Department is offering free, walk-in testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) June 23-27, 2025.

Free, walk-in testing will be offered at these Health Department clinics and times:

  • Monday, June 23, from 1:00 – 4:00 pm at the Annandale District Office
  • Tuesday, June 24, from 2:00 – 6:00pm at the Springfield District Office
  • Wednesday, June 25, from 1:00 – 4:00pm at the Joseph Willard Health Center
  • Thursday, June 26, from 1:00 – 4:00pm at the Herndon Reston District Office
  • Friday, June 27, from 8:00am – 12:00pm at the Mt. Vernon District Office

What is measles?

What is measles? 

Measles is a very contagious virus that spreads easily from person to person via the air or contact surfaces. Learn more about measles from the Virginia Department of Health. 

Symptoms of measles normally appear 7-14 days after contact with the virus but can appear up to 21 days after. Common symptoms include:  

  • high fever 
  • rash 
  • cough 
  • runny nose 
  • red, watery eyes 

The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe, effective, and provides the best protection against measles illness. 

How do I know if I received the MMR vaccine? 

Students can log into the Patient Portal and go to Immunizations in the navigation bar to check their immunization status. You can view submitted vaccines or titer lab test results indicating immunity to measles (Rubeola). 

This information is submitted as part of the immunization compliance process as a new student. 

How do I know if I am up-to-date on my MMR vaccine?  

Two doses of MMR provide the best protection.  Students can check their vaccination status in the Patient Portal.  

If you are not sure about your status, talk to your healthcare provider. They can discuss options that may include a titer lab test to check your immunity or receiving vaccination. Students can call Student Health Services (703-993-2831) with questions or to schedule immunizations.  

Individuals who are up to date with their vaccinations and/or received childhood vaccines are considered low risk. Infants (younger than 12 months who are too young to be vaccinated yet) and those who are not vaccinated are at-risk for infection if they are exposed to someone with measles. 

Get more info about measles vaccination from the Centers for Disease Control. 

More resources 

CDC Measles Cases and Outbreaks 

Virginia Health Officials Confirm First 2025 Measles Case in the State 

Health Officials Investigating Measles Exposures in DC 

George Mason Risk, Safety, Resilience Office – public health concerns

Free STI testing with NovaSalud

Free STI testing with NovaSalud

Student Health Services is partnering with NovaSalud to provide FREE confidential STI testing and counseling for students. Sign up on Sign Up Genius. All students are welcome. Appointments recommended, walk-ins on a space available basis only.

Sign Up to get a free HIV test!

DATE: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
TIME: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
LOCATION: ​​​​​ Student Health Services, SUB 1, Room 2300

Take charge of your health and know your status. STI testing offered:

  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhea
  • Hepatitis C
  • HIV
  • Syphilis

Screening for most STIs will be done with a genital, throat, or rectal swab. Some tests may be conducted with a urine or blood test. A healthcare professional will talk with you about the tests that are right for you. You will get your test results within a few days. For HIV screening, a rapid fingerstick blood test is used and you will get your result at the event.

NovaSalud will also offer free condoms and lube and free fentanyl testing strips. Learn more about NovaSalud.

Recruitment Open for Student Health Advisory Board Members

The Student Health Advisory Board (SHAB) aims to enhance and promote health and well-being services on-campus. Currently, SHAB is actively recruiting new members for spring 2025 and the 25-26 academic year. 

If you are interested in being an advocate for health and well-being on campus, working with various campus wellness departments, and networking with like-minded peers and faculty, please email Stephanie Amirsoltani (samirsol@gmu.edu) to get more information.

COVID Vaccine Clinic with Giant Pharmacy

Student Health Services and Employee Health and Well-Being are partnering with Giant Pharmacy to hold a COVID Vaccine Clinic on-campus. Mason students, faculty, and staff with health insurance coverage can get an updated COVID vaccine. The 24/25 Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will be available. By appointment. Sign up online with Sign Up Genius.

Event Details

Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Location: HUB Ballroom, Fairfax Campus

Using Health Insurance

  • COVID vaccines from Giant are fully covered for students with the Aetna Student Health Insurance Plan.
  • COVID vaccines from Giant are fully covered for faculty and staff with COVA insurance.
  • Those with other health insurance should contact their insurance provider to verify coverage before scheduling an appointment.
    • Updated COVID vaccines are generally covered through private health insurance when given by an in-network provider.
    • Student Health Services and Employee Health and Well-Being cannot guarantee coverage or payment by your insurance company.

Bring your valid photo ID (a driver’s license or passport) and health insurance ID to the event. Print and complete the Giant Vaccine Consent form (found on the Sign Up Genius) and bring it with you. Wear a short sleeve shirt.

Need to find a covered vaccine provider?

Winter Wellness Flu Shot Clinic

Get your flu shot on-campus on Thursday, October 10, 2024. By appointment only, sign up online. Clinic will be in the Johnson Center Dewberry Hall from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus.

Bring a photo ID. Wear short sleeves.

Flu shot with Student Health Services

For students with the Aetna Student Health Insurance Plan or self-pay ($30), schedule your appointment online in the Patient Portal.   

Steps to sign up:

  1. Log into the Patient Portal. 
  2. Go to Appt in the navigation menu. 
  3. Select “Flu Clinic – Student Health Services” in Locations and click Submit button. 
  4. Fill out all dropdowns, choose all providers from the drop-down menu. 
  5. Select October 10 to schedule an appointment when the calendar appears. Sign up for a time.

Students with Another Health Insurance Plan

Giant Pharmacy will be present to provide flu shots. If you have health insurance, you can schedule an appointment for a flu shot.

Contact your health insurance provider to ensure coverage before getting your flu shot at the on-campus clinic. Flu vaccination is generally no-cost with most health insurance plans when you get your vaccine with an in-network provider. Student Health cannot guarantee coverage or payment by your insurance company.

Download & print the Giant Pharmacy’s consent form (pdf). Bring completed form to your appointment.

Bring your insurance ID card and a valid form of ID.

Students with Kaiser Permanente Health Insurance

Kaiser Permanente will be present to provide flu shots. Sign up in the Kaiser online member portal.

Bring your insurance ID card and a valid form of ID.

Contact your health insurance provider prior to the clinic date to ensure coverage before getting your flu shot at the on-campus clinic. Student Health cannot guarantee coverage or payment by your insurance company.

Club Sports Physical Clinics

Get in the game with a club sports physical exam! Student Health Services is hosting Club Sports Physical Clinics on-campus in SUB 1, room 2300. By appointment only. Call 703-993-2831 to schedule, press option 1. 

Upcoming Dates:

September 13 from 2 – 4 p.m.

September 17 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

September 20 from 12:30 -4 p.m.

September 24 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

September 27 from 2 – 4 p.m.

October 1 from 9 – 11 a.m.

Complete any forms and bring them to your appointment. Your appointment will take about 30 minutes. The cost for the physical exam is $30; pay online after your visit. 

The Sports Physical Clinics are open to any student planning to participate in a fall club sport. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please contact Student Health Services early so that your spot can be made available for another athlete. 

Student Health earns LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer Designation

George Mason University Student Health Services earns “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer” Designation in Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index  

Student Health Services is proud to be one of the 462 facilities to receive the “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer” designation from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) 2024.  A record 1,065 healthcare facilities participated in the current HEI survey and rigorous scoring process. 

The High Performer designation from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation means facilities are going beyond the basics when it comes to adopting policies and practices in LGBTQ+ patient care. The Healthcare Equality Index helps people find facilities where inclusive and welcoming policies and practices are the standard of care. The full report can be found here.  

“This designation helps to set a standard among college health providers and universities, promoting a continuous conversation with the LGBTQ+ community and health care professionals,” said Megan Symanowitz,  health promotion nurse. “Student Health Services will continue to strive to create an environment where our LGBTQ+ students feel supported, and all students can access patient-centered healthcare to help them thrive at George Mason,” said Symanowitz.