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Immunization Requirements General Information Student Health Services strives to maintain your good health throughout your time spent at SDSU. One of the services provided is the administration of several state regulations involving immunization requirements for measles, rubella and Hepatitis B, all very serious diseases. Though fortunately rare, measles (rubeola) and rubella (German measles) are viral infections that are easily transmitted from person to person. When adults are infected with the measles virus, they have a much higher chance than children of serious illness and even death. Rubella is also more serious in adults and can result in birth defects. The Hepatitis B virus is transmitted between people through blood and certain bodily secretions. It is a very common infection that can cause chronic liver damage. Measles and Rubella If you are a new or readmitted student born on or after January 1, 1957, you must present proof of immunity against measles and rubella during your first semester at SDSU. One way to fulfill this requirement is to submit proof of at least one vaccination for measles and rubella given after your first birthday and after 1968. You may also submit laboratory evidence of immunity or medical documentation that you have previously had the disease. If you have no proof of immunity, you may receive the measles and rubella vaccines without charge at Student Health Services. All students are strongly encouraged to consider a second measles immunization, although it is not currently required. If you do not comply with this requirement during your first semester at SDSU, you will not be allowed to register for a second semester. Hepatitis B If you are a first-time enrollee and age 18 or under, you are required to present proof of immunity against Hepatitis B during your first semester. One way to fulfill this requirement is to submit proof of vaccination (Hepatitis B vaccination is a series of three injections given over a period of at least four months). You may also submit laboratory evidence of immunity or medical documentation that you have previously had the disease. If you have no proof of immunity, you may begin vaccination during your first semester and receive at least one vaccination each semester until you complete the series. The Hepatitis B vaccine is available at Student Health Services at a low cost. If you do not comply with this requirement during your first semester at SDSU, you will not be allowed to register for a second semester until you provide proof of immunity or begin the immunization series. (If you have not completed the immunization series by the end of your third semester, you will no longer be able to attend SDSU.) What is adequate proof of prior vaccination? Medical documentation of prior immunization requires the date and type of vaccination, and a doctor’s or nurse’s signature, initials or office stamp. School records are not acceptable proof unless a physician or nurse signs them.
Meningococcal bacterial infections, though rare, can cause a devastating illness, including an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord covering, and has the ability to kill within a few hours of the onset of symptoms. Recent studies indicate that college freshmen who live in residence halls have a moderately increased risk of becoming infected compared to the general population (approximately 5 chances in 100,000 versus 1.4 per 100,000 for all 18-23 year-olds.) Although immunization against this infection is not a requirement, all entering freshmen, particularly those living in residence halls, are urged to consider vaccination. The current vaccine is fairly effective against the majority of strains of this bacterium, but its immunity effect declines over a few years. Luckily, the risk of becoming infected with meningococcus also declines with your age. Consequently, there is less of a reason to immunize older students, although they may do so if they desire. The meningococcal vaccine is available at Student Health Services at a low cost.
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