recommended Immunizations
ISU recommends that all students also have these immunizations
Meningitis
- Meningococcal Disease is a very serious Bacterial Infection. It is a leading cause of bacterial
meningitis in children from 2 to 18 years of age. Anyone can get the disease, but college freshmen living
in residence halls are at an increased risk.
- 1000 -2600 people contract Meningitis every year. 10% - 15% will die and another 11% -19% will suffer
permanent disability. They may lose an arm, legs, hearing, or develop mental retardation. Some suffer
seizures or strokes
- The Meningococcal Vaccine is highly recommended to all students who will living in the residence halls.
We offer the Meningitis Vaccine Menactra at the Student Health Center for a fee. Information about
the vaccine can be found here.
(Meningitis Vaccine Information Statement)
Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver caused by the Hepatitis A Virus.(HAV).It is usually spread by
eating food or drinking water contaminated with HAV. Hepatitis A can cause a mild flu like illness with
severe stomach pains and diarrhea. Occasionally a person with Hepatitis A will die (less than 1) but once a
person has Hepatitis A they develop immunity to the disease. Information
about Hepatitis A can be found
here.
- The Hepatitis A Vaccine is recommended for people who are traveling
to areas where Hepatitis A is prevalent. It is also recommended for
nursing students.
Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV).The virus is transmitted through
blood-to-blood contact or through unprotected sexual contact with an infected person. Some of those who
contract the disease will develop chronic hepatitis. They can become very sick and it often leads to cirrhosis of the liver,
liver cancer, or death.
- The Hepatitis B Vaccine is recommended for all students. It is a series of 3 injections given over a 6
month time period.
Genital Warts/Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
- Genital Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the most common sexually
transmitted virus. There are more than 100 different strains or types of
HPV. More than 30 types are sexually transmitted and can cause
infections of the genital areas of both men and women. 50% of sexually
active men and women will contract the virus. Some of the types of HPV
cause no symptoms and the person will clear the virus with no problems.
Other types of the virus can cause genital warts or Cervical Cancer.
- A highly contagious virus for which there is NO CURE but there is
a vaccination called Gardasil recommended for girls and boys ages 9 to
26 years old.
- The HPV Vaccine Gardasil is given in three (3) doses. The second dose
is given 2 months after the first and the third is given 6 months after
the first dose.
- The HPV Vaccine Gardasil is effective in producing immunity to the 4 types
of HPV that are most commonly associated with cervical cancer. It
is recommended by the CDC for all girls age 13 years and older.
- Getting the HPV Vaccine does not replace the need for future annual exams and pap smears.
Just go to CDC.gov page for more information about this
disease and the vaccination that is available.