Department of Preventive Medicine

The Preventive Medicine Service is open to all students at the University of Montpellier. Visits and consultations are free, confidential, and subject to medical confidentiality.

There, you will meet receptionists and appointment coordinators, nurses, doctors, clinical psychologists, a dietitian-nutritionist, as well as social workers from the CROUS. The multidisciplinary nature of our team allows us to offer you a comprehensive approach to your health issues or concerns.

Reception and Consultations

Vaccinations? Listening, support, and advice? Medical, psychological, and social prevention visits and health screenings? Screening tests? Nursing care? Information on different methods of contraception? Emergency contraception? Specialized consultations: psychology, addiction treatment (tobacco, etc.), gynecology, nutrition?

The SCMPPS branches welcome you.

Whether you’re a new student at the University of Montpellier, enrolled in a program with specific health risks, or simply want to get a check-up, you can schedule a health assessment at the SCMPPS. You can make an appointment at the SCMPPS branch closest to your campus. Depending on your field of study, you may also be invited for a visit by the SCMPPS.

This preventive health check-up is an opportunity to discuss your lifestyle, how you’re adjusting to university life, and your relationships with others. The nurse and doctor will review your health needs with you, offer advice, and refer you to other professionals if necessary.

Please remember to bring your health/vaccination record so we can verify your vaccination status (*)

(*) Students enrolling in Biology and Health programs must ensure they are up to date on their specific vaccination requirements. Please note that if you have a medical contraindication to any of these vaccinations, you will not be able to pursue studies in Biology and Health.

Specialist consultations

Clinical Psychology Consultations

Clinical psychologists are available for individual, confidential, and free consultations by appointment at the Preventive Medicine Department:

• Downtown branch;
• Triolet branch;
• Occitanie branch;
• Nîmes office.

Depending on the situation, we may also offer you phone appointments.

For more information or to schedule an appointment:

• in Montpellier at 04 34 43 30 87 or by email;
• in Nîmes at 04 66 02 81 96 or by email.

Gynecology appointments

Do you have any questions about gynecology?

To discuss various topics—such as contraception, sexuality, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HPV vaccination, etc.—and/or undergo a gynecological exam.

Make an appointment with one of the department’s doctors for a free and confidential consultation.

Contact: 04.34.43.30.70
Email

New: Book an appointment online!

Diet or nutrition consultations

Are you wondering about your eating habits?

To discuss various topics related to nutrition, schedule a one-on-one appointment with the registered dietitian—the consultation is free and confidential.

Depending on the situation, we may also offer you phone appointments.

Contact: 04.34.43.30.87
Email

Smoking Cessation Counseling

Would you like to cut down or quit? Are you looking for information, motivation, or advice?

A tobacco specialist and a nurse are here to answer your questions and offer you support as you go through this process.

Make an appointment with a smoking cessation specialist—the consultation is free and confidential.

Contact: 04.34.43.30.70
Email

Education and Disabilities

If you are a student with a disability: to ensure equal opportunities, you may be eligible for academic and/or exam accommodations
As soon as the academic year begins, you should make an appointment with the Preventive Medicine Service as soon as possible.

The Preventive Medicine Service provides you with individualized support tailored to your needs throughout your time at the university.

All requests for accommodations are handled by a multidisciplinary team—including a physician authorized by the CDAPH (Commission for the Rights and Autonomy of People with Disabilities in the Hérault), a nurse, and an administrative assistant—who will listen to your needs to assess your situation and, based on your challenges, recommend appropriate accommodations for your coursework and/or exams.

The team works in collaboration with the Handiversité department, the academic units, and the academic services.

Note: In the event of a temporary disability (accidents, injuries, etc.), you must contact the Occupational Health Department immediately.

Work and Disability

Are you interested in working at the University of Montreal, or are you a university employee who wants to know if your health condition qualifies as a disability? Do you have questions about the accommodations the university offers?

The Handiversité service and the SCMPPS work closely together to provide you with personalized and confidential support throughout your career.

Learn more

Mental health support

Clinical psychologists are available for individual, confidential, and free consultations by appointment at the Preventive Medicine Department:

• Downtown branch;
• Triolet branch;
• Occitanie branch;
• Nîmes office.

Depending on the situation, we may also offer you phone appointments.

For more information or to schedule an appointment:

• in Montpellier at 04 34 43 30 87 or by email;
• in Nîmes at 04 66 02 81 96 or by email.

Vaccination

Do you have questions about vaccination?

Please feel free to contact or meet with one of our nurses at the SCMPPS office nearest to your school.
You can also visit the Vaccination Info Service website and the Ministry of Health and Prevention website.

Vaccinations available at SCMPPS for students:

• DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio)
• DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, polio, pertussis)
• Hepatitis B
• MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
• HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
• ACWY and B meningitis
• Tuberculosis Test (IDR)

Sexual health

Do you have questions about birth control, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or HPV vaccination? The nurses and preventive medicine doctors at SCMPPS are here to help.

If you’d like, you can also schedule an appointment with one of the department’s doctors (free and confidential consultation) to discuss these issues and/or undergo a gynecological exam:

Contact: 04.34.43.30.70
Email

New: Book an appointment online!

The preventive care physician does not replace your primary care physician. However, during a gynecological consultation, the physician is authorized to write prescriptions for contraception and monitoring, as well as to order screening tests. They can advise you and refer you to the services best suited to your situation.

Our prevention services can provide emergency contraception to students who request it.

Schedule an appointment online

Prev’Box Device

In an emergency? If you forget something? If you need something? … these boxes are here for you!

Your Preventive Medicine Department has installed red boxes in front of its offices in Triolet, Occitanie, and Richter in Montpellier, as well as at the School of Medicine in Nîmes.

There, you can access the following for free, even outside of branch hours:

• Sanitary products, tampons
• Male and female condoms and lubricants
• Breathalyzers

Take only what you need so that everyone can benefit.

Free condoms without a prescription for people under 26

As of January¹, 2023, young people under the age of 26 can obtain condoms* for free at pharmacies without a prescription (100% covered by Medicare).

To obtain a free pack of condoms at a pharmacy, adults must present their Vitale card or a certificate of eligibility (which can be downloaded from their Ameli account) or, if neither is available, a valid ID.

Recipients of state medical aid (AME) are also eligible to receive this benefit by presenting their AME card, as are European Union citizens by presenting their European Health Insurance Card.

If you are a minor, a simple sworn statement is sufficient to verify your age or your status as a social security beneficiary (or as a recipient of AME). You may request that the issuance of the document be kept confidential, if you wish.

*"Eden" and "Sortez couverts!" brands

Don’t hesitate to talk to a professional at the Preventive Medicine Department about your sexual health!

Free morning-after pill without a prescription for all women

As of January¹, 2023, emergency contraception is available at pharmacies, without a prescription and without upfront payment, for anyone—whether a minor or an adult—who is covered by social security or holds AME coverage (until now, only minors were eligible for 100% coverage, and emergency contraception without a prescription was limited to those under 25); this dispensing “must be accompanied by clear and concise information regarding contraceptive counseling and follow-up visits.”

Don’t hesitate to talk to a professional at the Preventive Medicine Department about your sexual health!

HIV and STIs: Prevention

The use of condoms

Effective January 1, 2023, minors (of any age) and adults aged 18 to 26 (regardless of gender) can obtain male condoms for free at pharmacies without a prescription, with the cost covered by health insurance. 

You can also pick them up at the PrevBoxes located at the entrances to the SCMPPS branches in Triolet, Occitanie, and Richter, as well as at the Nîmes Faculty of Medicine.

Screening 

You can contact the CeGIDD (Free Screening and Diagnostic Center) in Nîmes or Montpellier, which offers the following services free of charge:

• screening for HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis,
• screening and treatment of STIs (sexually transmitted infections) and vaccination against sexually transmitted diseases (human papillomavirus, viral hepatitis A and B),
• PrEP consultations (medication-based prevention of HIV/AIDS).

Your doctor or an SCMPPS preventive care physician can provide you with a prescription for laboratory testing: HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Syphilis serology tests, as well as PCR tests for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea (vaginal self-swab for girls and urine sample for boys).

Human Papillomavirus

Human papillomaviruses are linked to the development of several cancers: cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers, as well as anal and penile cancers, and several cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract (oral cavity, oropharynx, and tonsils). The proportion of cancers attributable to HPV varies depending on the type of cancer.

• Vaccinations are covered for young men and women up to age 19.
• Vaccination coverage for MSM up to age 25.

A preventive medicine physician at SCMPPS can issue a prescription for the HPV vaccine and administer it to you, or, depending on the situation, cover the cost of the vaccine.

Resources about the city

• Resource centers in Montpellier

Menstrual leave

The University of Montpellier is introducing menstrual leave to address the challenges associated with menstrual cycles that may arise during one’s studies.

This policy allows eligible individuals to take temporary leave from work, subject to certain conditions, in the event of menstrual-related issues.

Collective prevention efforts

Throughout the academic year, the Department of Preventive Medicine and the Student Health Ambassadors (ERS) offer preventive health initiatives and screening days.

What is the role of a Student Health Ambassador (SHA)? SHAs help raise awareness among other students—their peers—about health issues. In recent years, SHAs have developed tools to facilitate initiatives focused on sexual and mental health, as well as addiction prevention.

The highlights of the program include: “A l’UM ta Santé ” (a series of in-person and online activities and workshops).

You will be notified of the dates, locations, and recruitment periods for the ERS via email at your university address, as well as through newsletters and the ERS Instagram account. Follow us! #ersumontpellier

On a variety of health topics (mental health, sexual health, nutrition, addiction, sports and health, development of psychosocial skills, etc.), come meet the ERS, the department’s healthcare professionals, and our partners on campus. How can you manage your sleep? Learn relaxation techniques? How can you manage menstrual cramps? … Online webinars and workshops are also available throughout the year.

Stress Management Workshops

Would you like to learn how to better manage your reactions to stress? Would you like to be more assertive and communicate more effectively?

Sophrology workshops for students (registration required).

Screening Days

Take advantage of screenings for various health issues:
For students: oral health checkups, vision and screen use assessments, and screenings for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and vaccinations
For staff: hearing screenings, vision and screen use assessments, and initiatives to prevent musculoskeletal disorders.

Cooking Workshops and Nutrition Tuesdays

Join us throughout the year for cooking workshops and nutrition booths. These workshops are opportunities to meet, share, and discuss food in a friendly atmosphere.

For students, these workshops are led by the ERS with the support of our registered dietitian.

For staff members, these workshops are led by our registered dietitian.

Social Services

CROUS social workers are available to assist you with a variety of issues, including your rights and responsibilities, university and family life, and overall health. Following a consultation and a joint assessment of your situation, they will propose measures and/or a support plan to ensure that your studies proceed smoothly.
You can meet with the social workers during their office hours at the Preventive Medicine Departmentor at the CROUS.