Measles Requirement. The first is a requirement that all students
have two measles immunizations. Considering the mumps outbreak in
Missouri and surrounding states during the last academic year, we
recommend two mumps immunizations as well. This is usually noted on
immunization records as a combined vaccine called the MMR
(Measles/Mumps/Rubella). Some physicians choose to give the
immunizations separately, and you may see them listed individually as
Measles and Mumps. The first measles or MMR immunization must be
received on or after the first birthday, and the second must be at least
28 days past the date of the first immunization. If you believe you have
not met this requirement, please consult with your local health care
provider and get your immunizations up-to-date. Students who are not in
compliance will not be allowed to register for their second semester at
Truman. This can be very frustrating to students and parents alike when
the student is attempting to register for rapidly filling classes and
finds their registration is blocked due to an immunization hold. Please
avoid this by having all immunizations current and the records sent to
the Health Center.
Meningitis Requirement. The second immunization requirement is a
mandate by Missouri law which requires that any student who resides in
university housing must either be immunized against meningitis or sign a
waiver stating that they understand the risks and have decided to forego
immunization. Meningitis is a devastating disease that can result in
death or permanent disability. College students residing in residence
halls have been identified as high risk candidates for the disease. An
information sheet regarding meningitis is enclosed. Also enclosed is a
yellow meningitis waiver form that must be completed and returned to the
student health center, along with the completed Medical History form, if
the student/parent elects to forego meningitis immunization.
If a record of meningitis immunization on the Medical History form or
a Meningitis Waiver form is not received by the Student Health Center at
least one week prior to move-in, the student will not be given the key
to their room until the necessary documentation is provided. The student
will first have to go to the Health Center to complete the requirement.
This can result in unnecessary delays in the move-in process.
A limited number of meningitis immunizations will be given at the
Student Health Center on Move-In Day, Sunday, August 19th. If you choose
to receive your vaccine on this day, you must reserve your immunization
in advance (by July 14). You may call 660-785-4182 to reserve your
immunization. You will then report to the Student Health Center between
7 a.m. and 12 noon, prior to checking into your Residence Hall.
Free vaccine may be available in a limited quantity, with only a $5.00
administration fee, to students who are aged 18 and younger. A limited
supply of immunizations will be available at a cost of $95.00 for
students ineligible for free vaccination. Payment is required at the
time of vaccination. Following vaccination, students are encouraged to
wait 20 minutes at the Student Health Center to ensure no reaction. They
will then be given the documentation required to check into the
Residence Hall. NO ONE WILL BE GIVEN THE KEY TO THEIR ROOM UNLESS
STUDENT HEALTH CENTER STAFF HAS DOCUMENTATION OF MENINGITIS IMMUNIZATION
OR A SIGNED WAIVER.
Remember, you may elect to receive the meningitis immunization at
home this summer at your local physician's office or health department,
and then send the documentation on the Medical History Form to the
Student Health Center. This would expedite your move-in process and
eliminate unnecessary frustration from long waits at the Student Health
Center to receive the immunization. The immunization may be available
free of charge to college freshmen at your local health departments.
We would also like to make some recommendations regarding basic health
supplies that you should bring with you to college. First, a thermometer (either
manual or electronic) is an essential. Next, we recommend some basic medications
such as fever and pain reducers, cough and cold medicines, and any prescription
or other routine medications you take. If you have asthma, it is a good idea to
bring your nebulizer and peak flow equipment. Students who choose to continue
ongoing allergy immunotherapy or other medication injections at the Student
Health Center must contact the Student Health Center to make arrangements prior
to arrival on campus.
Also, it is important that you have a copy of your health and pharmacy
insurance cards. Though office visits at the Student Health Center are covered
by your health services fee paid each semester with your tuition; certain
treatments, supplies, medications, referrals to specialists and visits to the
emergency room are not. X-rays and EKGs also are not available at the Health
Center and therefore not covered by your health fee. Student insurance is
available, and you should receive information on student health insurance in a
separate mailing from Student Assurance Services.
Again, we welcome you to the Truman State University community and we hope to
help keep you healthy so that you may thrive academically. If either you or your
parents have any questions regarding the requirements listed above, please do
not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
Brenda Higgins, EdD(C), MSN, APRN
Director
