Immunization

INTRODUCTION
There has been documentation of recent outbreaks of Rubeola (Red Measles), Mumps and Pertussis on several college campuses around the United States. Furthermore, it has been recommended by the American College Health Association that students be immunized against certain diseases. It is especially vital for students living in residential environments to be protected from disease. For these reasons, OU hereby requires up to date proof of immunization.

Immunization against Rubeola (Red Measles) includes an initial vaccine plus a second dose of MMR (Rubeola, Rubella & Mumps) vaccine. If the person has never been immunized, two injections of the MMR vaccine at least one month apart are required.

FIRST-TIME ENTERING OU STUDENTS
All first-time entering students born on or after January 1, 1957, who enroll in credit courses on OU must show proof of two immunization against Rubeola (Red Measles) and Mumps and one immunization against Rubella (German Measles). Booster vaccines for Pertussis (Whooping Cough) are strongly encouraged for all entering students. Students can receive the Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria Pertussis) vaccine after two years since their last Tetanus booster. Furthermore, students living on campus are encouraged to seek Meningococcal vaccination within their first semester however, this specific vaccine is not mandated at this time.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Because of a lack of immunization requirements in many foreign countries, all OU international students of any age, are currently required, and will continue to be required, to be immunized against Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Rubeola, Rubella and Mumps and have a tuberculin skin test done within 3 months of their matriculation date here in the United States. In lieu of being re-immunized, such individuals may present proof of having had such immunizations or titer tests. If they do not have such proof or have not been immunized, they must be immunized against these diseases prior to matriculating, enrolling, or participating in campus academic, research, or clinical programs and activities.

STUDENTS IN ALLIED HEALTH and NURSING PROGRAMS
Because of the nature of their daily workload, students engaged in health professional training programs could have a higher risk related to Rubeola, Rubella, Mumps, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tuberculosis and Hepatitis B infection. These departments may have established additional immunization requirements.

CERTIFICATE OF IMMUNIZATION
In order to enroll for classes at OU: you must show proof of immunization against measles (rubeola). Students who are unable to document prior history of measles will be required to provide verification of a second measles vaccine. Without such proof, students are subject to be placed on registration hold until the proper documentation has been received by the Department of Health and Counseling Services.

This policy applies to all incoming students: Students born before January 1, 1957, are exempt from the requirement for immunization; however, they must provide proof of age. (Either a driver’s license or a copy of your birth certificate will suffice.)

Students who do not have adequate proof of immunization will be required to repeat immunization. The Oakwood University Immunization Form or a form completed by your private physician and signed by the appropriate health practitioner must be submitted prior to the time of registration to the Department of Health and Counseling Services.