Student Health Services

Immunizations

It is vital that you be properly immunized prior to your arrival at The University of Scranton. Vaccine preventable diseases such as measles, rubella and mumps continue to be a health issue on American campuses. The following immunizations are required or recommended.

1. MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) -
   Two doses of MMR are required. The first dose should have been administered at age 12 to 15 months of age or later, and the second dose at age 4 to 6 years or later. This is required of all entering college students born after 1956. If measles, mumps and rubella vaccines were given separately at age 12 to 15 months, a second dose of measles vaccine is required at age 4 to 6 years or later.

2. Tetanus-Diphtheria
   All entering college students must have received the primary series in childhood with DtaP or DTP (diphtheria tetanus toxoid, and acellular [whole cell] pertussis), a booster at age 11 to 12 years with Td, and then every 10 years.

3. Polio
   The primary series must have been completed in childhood with IPV alone, OPV alone, or IPV/OPV sequentially. A booster is needed only for international travel to certain areas after the age of 18.

4. Varicella (Chicken Pox)
   All students who do not have a history of having had the disease or age appropriate immunization should have two doses given at least one month apart, if over the age of 13 years.

5. Hepatitis B
   All entering students should have begun the three-dose (dose one, then dose two to follow in 1 to 2 months, and the third at 6 to 12 months) series of Hepatitis B immunization. Completion of the series is required for all students enrolled in health-related majors such as nursing, physical therapy and occupational therapy before they go into clinical areas.

6. Tuberculosis Screening
   The American College Health Association has published guidelines on tuberculosis screening of college and university students. These guidelines are based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and the American Thoracic Society. For more information, visit www.acha.org or refer to the CDC's Core Curriculum on Tuberculosis, available at state health departments or online at www.cdc.gov/nchstp/tb/pubs/corecurr.

7. Pennsylvania law now requires students enrolled in Pennsylvania institutions of higher education (including The University of Scranton) residing in residence halls or other University owned housing be vaccinated against meningococcal disease.

Students who wish to be exempt from this requirement must meet the following conditions: the student (or parent/legal guardian in the case of students under the age of 18 years), after having been advised of the risks of the disease and the availability and effectiveness of the vaccine, must sign a written waiver (may be downloaded here) stating that he or she has reviewed the information and has chosen not to be vaccinated against the disease for religious or other reasons.

Overview of Meningococcal Disease
and Immunization

What is Meningococcal Disease?
Meningococcal disease is a rare but life-threatening infection caused by the bacterial organism Neisseria meningitides. It is most commonly manifested as either meningococcal meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, or meningococcemia, a presence of the bacteria in the blood. Research conducted by the American College Health Association and federal Centers for Disease Control has shown a six fold increase in risk for this disease in college students during the 1990's, particularly first-year students living in college residence halls. Data suggest that certain social behaviors, such as exposure to passive and active smoking, bar patronage and excessive alcohol consumption, may increase students' risk for contracting the disease.

Is meningitis contagious?
Yes, some forms of bacterial meningitis are contagious. The bacteria are spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions (e.g., coughing, kissing). Fortunately, none of the bacteria that cause meningitis are as contagious as things like the common cold or the flu, and they are not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where a person with meningitis has been.

About the Meningococcal Vaccine
A safe and effective vaccine (Menomune) is available for protection against most strains of the bacteria that causes meningitis. The immunization requires one injection and is 85-90% protective against strains A, C, Y and W-135, but not type B. Persons who are allergic to thimerosal (a substance found in some vaccines) should not be vaccinated. Persons who have an acute illness with fever (1010 F or higher) should wait until that illness has resolved. Minor reactions may include slight redness and swelling at the injection site that may last 1 to 2 days.

How can students receive vaccination?
Most students arrange for immunization privately with their family physician or clinic. Information regarding availability of the vaccine may be obtained by contacting Student Health Services.