TO:            Incoming Freshmen & Transfer Students

FROM:       Julie Briggs, RN, Director of Health Services

#1 – MMR
Public health officials have issued new guidelines for the prevention of measles. They are now recommending that a second measles vaccination be administered. (Previously, a single dose of measles vaccine at 12 to 15 months of age was recommended.) The additional dose should be given after the age of five. Please have your son/daughter receive this second dose before coming to campus. Your local Health Department usually will carry the vaccine at a minimal cost.

#2 – Chicken Pox
It is required that all entering college students without a history of the disease have two doses of the chicken pox vaccine. These doses should be administered one month apart. Please contact your local doctor or Health Department for this immunization.

#3 – Meningitis
The most common cause of bacterial meningitis in college-age adults is meningococcus. Two recent studies have suggested that college students living in dormitories may have a slight increased risk for contracting meningococcal disease.  Therefore this vaccine is required by The University of Findlay.  Please contact your local doctor or Health Department to receive this immunization before coming to campus.

#4 – Hepatitis B (Recommended, but not required)
Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by a virus. Transmission of the virus occurs from exposure to blood and intimate contact. The CDC recommends that all college students be vaccinated against Hepatitis B. The vaccination is a series of three injections. The second and third injections are given one and six months respectively after the first injection. Please contact your local physician or Health Department for this immunization. The Health Center offers this vaccine for students at a cost of $40 per shot payable on the visit.

#5 - Tetanus (every 10 years)
Tdap(Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) vaccine can protect against three serious diseases which are all caused by bacteria.  Diphtheria and pertussis are spread from person to person.  Tetanus enters the body through cuts, scratches, or wounds. Adults 19-64 years of age should substitute Tdap for one booster dose of Td.  One dose of Td should then be given every ten years.  The Health Center offers this vaccine for students at a cost of $50.00. 

Please fill out the MANDATORY on line health form and remember to fax or send us a copy of your immunization record.