Immunizations information

All new incoming students are required to complete a Medical History Form and Immunization Form verified by their physician’s office or the Health Department prior to coming to campus. All immunizations must be current prior to the beginning of classes.

The Student Health Center encourages all students to protect their health by keeping their immunizations up-do-date. ONU requires certain immunizations for all students and recommends others. Additionally, certain majors may require additional immunizations. See the complete lists below.

Required immunizations

MMR

Public health officials recommend two doses of MMR (Mumps, Measles, and Rubella) to be administered. (First dose usually given at 12 to 15 months of age) The second 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.

Chicken Pox

It is recommended 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.

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/residence halls may have a slight increased risk for contracting meningococcal disease. Please contact your local doctor or Health Department to receive this immunization before coming to campus.

Hepatitis B 

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. 

• Hepatitis B vaccine is also offered at ONU Health Center for $40. Prices may change without prior notice.

Tetanus (every 5-10 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.

• Td is offered at ONU Health Center for $20 and Tdap for $45. Prices may change without prior notice.

Polio

Primary series in childhood meets recommendation. Three primary series dates are acceptable.

Tuberculosis (TB) Mantoux skin test (PPD)

The TB skin test is available to all students during open hours. This test requires two visits. Visit one is injecting the PPD test in the forearm. The second visit requires the individual to return in 48-72 hours to have the test site examined and read by the medical staff member. TB test can be processed as a step 1 or step 2 method, which means an individual can have one test or two test completed. Step 1 is simply one test. Step 2 requires the process repeated one to three weeks after the first test. Cost is $5.00 per test.

Recommended immunizations

Hepatitis A

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine

Three doses of vaccine for female college students up to 26 years of age at 0, 2 and 6 month intervals.

Flu Shots

Flu shots are available to faculty, staff and students.

More information about immunizations

• Centers for Disease Control Travel Information
• American College Health Association (ACHA)