REQUIRED
State law requires that certain immunization information
be on file in our clinic. This state mandate requires students to have documentation
of up-to-date immunization against tetanus/diphtheria (Td) and measles/mumps/rubella
(MMR), with the exception of students who graduated from a Minnesota high
school in 1997 or later. Please submit the required form to the Student
Health Service (SHS). If you do not already have the form, which should
be in your orientation booklet, you may click on the following link to download
and print a form:
RECOMMENDED
Hepatitis A and B
A recent amendment
extends the immunization law and requires provision of education about viral
hepatitis, including information about the hepatitis A and B vaccines. Please
read the information about hepatitis which has been reprinted from the MnSCU
Board Office.
Travel vaccinations
Typhoid Vi Vaccination
The typhoid vaccine is recommended for persons traveling to areas where
there is a recognized risk of exposure to S. Typhi. Immunization is recommended
two weeks prior to travel. The vaccine is contraindicated in anyone with
a history of prior sensitivity to it. Acute infection or fever may be
a reason for delaying vaccination. Adverse reactions may include only
mild soreness and redness at the injection site. In clinical trials no
severe or unusual side effects have been observed.
Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPOL)
The IPOL is recommended for persons traveling to regions or countries
where poliomyelitis is endemic or epidemic. Immunization prevents poliomyelitis
caused by poliovirus Types 1, 2 and 3. IPOL is an inactivated vaccine
and therefore cannot cause polio. This vaccine is contraindicated in persons
with a history of hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine, including
Neomycin,
Streptomycin and Polymixin B. Vaccination should be delayed in persons
with an acute illness or fever. Minor illnesses such as upper respiratory
infection with or without low grade fever, are not reasons for postponing
vaccination. Adverse reactions include only mild soreness at the injection
site. Although no causal relationship between IPOL and Guillain-Barre'
Syndrome (GBS), a neurological or nervous system disease, has been established,
GBS has been temporally associated with the administration of another
inactivated polio vaccine. There are no known interactions of IPOL with
drugs or food.
Vaccine for meningitis
On October 20, 1999, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
(ACIP) voted to recommend that college students, particularly freshmen
living in dormitories and residence halls, be educated about meningitis
and the benefits of vaccination. The panel based its recommendation on
recent studies showing that college students, particularly freshmen living
in dormitories, have a sixfold increased risk for meningitis. The recommendation
further states that information about the disease and vaccination is appropriate
for other undergraduate students who also wish to reduce their risk for
the disease.
Meningitis is rare. However, when it strikes, its flu-like
symptoms make diagnosis difficult. If not treated early, meningitis can
lead to swelling of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal column
as well as severe and permanent disabilities, such as hearing loss, brain
damage, seizures, limb amputation and even death.
Cases of meningitis among teens and young adults 15 to
24 years of age have more than doubled since 1991. The disease strikes
about 3,000 Americans each year and claims about 300 lives. Between 100
and 125 meningitis cases occur on college campuses and as many as 15 students
will die from the disease.
A vaccine is available that protects against four types
of the bacteria that cause meningitis in the United States - types A,
C, Y and W-135. These types account for nearly two thirds of meningitis
among college students. The vaccine is available and can be requested
at any time at the SHS.
Vaccine for flu
In order to avoid lengthy illness, currently flu vaccine is recommended
for anyone who cannot afford to be incapacitated for a week to 10 days.
Also, illness spreads rapidly in a college setting because groups of people
gather in classroom or dormitory settings. Students with any chronic illness
especially should be vaccinated.
VACCINES AVAILABLE AT STUDENT HEALTH SERVICE
DIPHTHERIA/TETANUS for injury or to meet requirements
FLU - available at a clinic held each October with discounted
prices offered to students
HEPATITIS A and B
MENINGITIS
POLIO for travel
PPD skin tests - available for students needing to be
tested for tuberculosis.
TYPHOID for travel
Revised April, 2005
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