STUDENT HEALTH CENTER

Pre-enrollment Immunization Requirements

In accordance with California law and California State University policy, entering SSU students are required to send copies of official immunization records showing full immunization to the diseases listed below to the SSU Office of Admissions and Records prior to the start of their first semester of classes. Those unable to locate immunization records may send copies of blood tests showing they are immune to the diseases prevented by these vaccines.
  1. Measles and Rubella Immunization Requirement: Measles and Rubella Vaccine (MMR): Required of all students born after 12/31/56. Records must show that the student received two separate doses of MMR vaccine after 12 months of age and at least one month apart. Blood tests must show that the student is immune to both Rubeola and Rubella.

  2. Hepatitis B vaccine: Required of all students who will be under age 19 at the start of their first semester at SSU. Records must show that the student received three appropriately spaced doses of Hepatitis B vaccine. Blood tests must show that the student has full immunity to hepatitis B. The requirement persists until fully satisfied, regardless of the students subsequent age. Since Hepatitis B immunization consists of series of 3 separate shots over a 4-6 month period (minimally at 0, 1 and 4 months, or 0, 2 and 4 months), prospective students should ensure that their immunization series is complete as soon possible. Documented doses previously received need not be repeated.

Holds are placed on the registration of students who have not provided the required documentation
within the first weeks of their first term at SSU. Holds prohibit students from registering for future classes until the required documents have been received. HOLDs for non-compliance with immunization requirements are removed only when the SSU Office of Admissions and Records receives appropriate proof of immunization or immunity.

What is acceptable proof of immunization or immunity?
A photocopy of official immunization records from a licensed healthcare provider, clinic, or California public school showing the vaccine type, dose, and date each shot was received. (Photocopies of results of blood tests confirming immunity to the above diseases are also acceptable.) All records must bear the student's full name and birthdate. The following website helpful to those having difficulty locating previous records: www.vaccineinformation.org/topics/oldrecords.asp

Where can I get immunized?
Immunization can be obtained through your private health care provider, a community clinic, public health department, or the SSU Student Health Center. Entering SSU students who have paid their Enrollment Reservation Deposit (ERD) &/or their SSU registration fees may receive immunizations at the Student Health Center beginning 1-2 months prior to their first semester of classes. Fees (reflecting the Student Health Centers cost to purchase the vaccine) apply. Uninsured students under age 19 may be eligible for federal vaccine subsidies which would further reduce the cost of obtaining vaccine.

Admitted Students planning to attend SSU should take steps to satisfy these requirements soon:

    Send photocopies of official records of required immunizations (or of blood tests showing immunity) to:
  • Sonoma State University Office of Admissions and Records
  • Attn: Immunization Requirements
  • 1801 E. Cotati, Rohnert Park, CA, 94928;
    • - or -
  • FAX to (707) 664-2060.

Click here to download a copy of the Pre-enrollment Immunization Requirement Form that should accompany your materials.

Temporary or permanent exemptions for medical, religious or profound personal belief of the student require a signed informed consent & must be discussed with a SHC nurse or doctor. In addition, medical exemptions require a letter from the treating physician.

Exempted individuals may be excluded from campus as a public health measure during a disease outbreak.

SSU is not responsible for negative outcomes related to exemptions or delays in completing immunizations.

Immunization Recommendations

Vaccine preventable diseases can interrupt a student's academic progress, impact his/her overall health, or result in the spread of illness to others if the student is not fully immunized. In addition to the required immunizations for MMR and Hepatitis B, public health experts recommend the following immunizations for college students. Recommended immunizations are ideally obtained before coming to campus, though students may get most vaccines at the Student Health Center (for the SHC's vaccine acquisition cost). Uninsured students under age 19 may be eligible for additional reductions through federal vaccine subsidies.

Click on the name of the vaccine in blue to link to more information

  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis Vaccine: Students should have completed a childhood DPT or DTaP series and have had a Td or Tdap booster within the last 10 years. Since immunity to pertussis (whooping cough) is not permanent and because the incidence of pertussis is increasing in all age groups, any adolescent or adult who completed his/her childhood series but has not had a verifiable dose of Tdap (tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis) vaccine since 2005 should do so as follows:
    1. Women of childbearing age and all adolescent or adult individuals of any age who may have close contact with an infant should receive a dose of Tdap promptly, regardless of when they had their most recent non-Tdap tetanus booster.
    2. Healthy individuals who have never had a Tdap shot and who will not be in contact with infants or young children should get a dose of Tdap within 5 years (or sooner) of their most recent non-Tdap tetanus booster.
    3. The Tdap dose replaces the regular tetanus booster dose (typically shown as Td on an immunization record). The current recommendation is that once a low risk individual has received a Tdap dose, he/she may resume a regular Td tetanus booster schedule.
  • Chicken Pox Vaccine (Varicella): Students who have not had medically verified Chicken Pox should receive two separate doses of Varicella Vaccine. One dose is not sufficient to fully protect against Chickenpox. If you've only had one dose, get a booster dose.
  • Hepatitis B vaccine: Although State law requires proof of Hepatitis B immunization or immunity only of those students who are under age 19 at the time of their initial CSU enrollment, public health experts strongly recommend full Hepatitis B immunization for all college age individuals. Hepatitis B immunization is a 3-shot series and all 3 shots are necessary to establish immunity
  • Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine (HPV): Recommended for women up to age 26. Protects against major types of human papilloma virus including types that cause about 70% of cervical cancer and types that cause about 90% of genital warts.
  • Influenza Vaccine: Recommended annually to reduce their risk of becoming ill with influenza or spreading it to others. This is especially true for those at risk of medical complications of the flu, for others who live in Residence Halls or other group living circumstances and for those who have contact with children, the ill, or the elderly.
  • Meningococcal Vaccine: College students, especially those in group living circumstances or those who engage in activities that may adversely affect their resistance to infection, are 3 to 4 times more likely than the general population to become ill with a life threatening meningococcal infection. Meningococcal vaccine is 85% effective against certain serotypes of these bacteria. The most current recommendation is for an initial dose in early adolescence followed by a second (booster) dose 4-5 years later for college students and other higher risk individuals.
  • Polio Vaccine - primary series with a booster often recommended in conjunction with foreign travel.
  • Travel Immunizations: Additional vaccines and immunizations such as Typhoid, Hepatitis A, and others are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control for individuals traveling to certain parts of the world. Those anticipating such travel may make an appointment with the Student Health Center Travel Nurse Practitioner for evaluation and appropriate immunization. (Call 664-2921) Please make your appointment well in advance of your trip to ensure adequate timing for the administration of all indicated vaccines.

Other Health Recommendations for
College Students and Their Families

==> Essential Items and Health Information to Bring to College:
  • Any medications the student is taking
  • Significant individual past medical history
  • Significant family medical history
  • Name, address, and phone number of personal family physician or medical specialist
  • Private insurance status including company name, phone # and coverage (bring a copy of current insurance card to school.) Coverage is not required to use the Student Health Center but is recommended for care that's beyond the scope or hours of the SHC.
  • Emergency contact phone numbers

==> Chronic Care: Those with significant or chronic or ongoing medical conditions should remain under the care of their off campus treating physician &/or specialist. The Student Health Center can work with the off-campus physician on an interim basis as needed to achieve continuity, but cannot take over primary responsibility for this level of care. As appropriate, students with such conditions are advised to have a medical summary including current medications and contact information for their off campus physician or specialist sent to the Student Health Center for inclusion in their Health Center medical record.

==> Treatment of Minors: Parents/guardians should send a signed consent for medical treatment to the SHC if their student is under 18. Click here to download a pdf of this form.

==> Meningococcal Disease Prevention

==> MRSA Prevention

==> Tuberculosis Testing: Individuals at risk of exposure to tuberculosis such as those born, living, or traveling extensively outside of the United States, those working, volunteering, or living in a health care environment, the inner city, homeless shelters, etc. or having exposure to individuals with TB are advised to have an intradermal TB skin test prior to or upon matriculation at SSU. Skin testing of individuals with no risk is not recommended unless required by a particular program, such as student teaching.

  • TB screening and testing is available at the Student Health Center.
  • TB screening is REQUIRED of International Students.