A Word on Immunizations

Immunizations against communicable diseases are an important part of your personal health maintenance and a well-immunized student population is important for the overall health of the university community. Idaho State University does not require any specific immunizations for general enrollment. However, some programs within the university (such as the health science programs) do have requirements.

The following vaccines are recommended, not required, for all entering college students. These recommendations are supported by the American College Health Association and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

Hepatitis B (HBV): A three-dose series of vaccine is recommended for all young adults prior to entering college.

Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR): Two doses of live virus vaccine, both given after the first birthday.

Meningococcal Vaccine: One dose, given within three years before starting college. Current recommendations encourage the vaccination of all college students against meningococcal disease.

Tetanus-Diphtheria (Td): An initial series of three or four shots usually given in childhood; “boosters” every ten years thereafter.

Pertussis (Tdap): Beginning in 2005, a booster dose of pertussis vaccine is recommended for adolescents and young adults; it is usually administered with tetanus vaccine.

Varicella (chicken pox): If you did not have chicken pox as a child, you should get immunized with the varicella vaccine.

We recommend that students maintain a record of all the immunizations they have received. Documentation of immunizations is often needed for some academic programs, employment, or foreign travel. If you have any questions about these immunization recommendations, please call the ISU Student Health Center at (208) 282-2330.