Immunization Requirements
Immunization Policy
In accordance with The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the American College Health Association (ACHA) and Florida State Laws (Florida Statute 1006.69), Jacksonville University has established immunization requirements to protect the health of individual students and our campus community. All students who attend classes on campus are required, at minimum, to show proof of vaccination against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella as well as documentation of 1 dose of Tdap vaccine within the last 10 years. Residential students must also submit documented proof of vaccination against Hepatitis B and Meningococcal Meningitis or sign a waiver for each vaccine. In addition to these requirements, International students must also show proof of Tuberculosis testing within 12 months of matriculation. To fulfill this university requirement, students can access the downloadable Immunization History Form via the Med+Proctor site. Students will need to register on the Med+Proctor site to access this form.
Vaccine Requirements for ALL Students
MMR / Measles, Mumps, Rubella Vaccine
Jacksonville University requires that each student born after 1956 provide proof of immunization for Measles, Mumps, and Rubella commonly called MMR *OR* provide documented laboratory immunity (blood titers). The MMR is a combination vaccine of 2 shots normally received around 12 months and 4-5 years of age. As per CDC guidelines, the second MMR dose must have been received at least 28 days after the first dose.
Measles is a highly contagious acute viral infection characterized by a rash, cough, and runny nose, eye irritation and fever. It is extremely communicable and is spread by droplets from the nose and mouth of an infected person to susceptible individuals. Measles can lead to ear infection, pneumonia, seizures, brain damage or even death. In recent years in the U.S. outbreaks have occurred most commonly in adolescents and young adults.
Rubella is a contagious viral infection that causes a rash, mild fever and stiff joints in adults. A woman who gets rubella while pregnant could have a miscarriage or her baby could be born with serious birth defects. Its incidence is low in the U.S. due to the increased number of childhood vaccinations against the disease; however, outbreaks continue to occur in susceptible populations, including college students.
Mumps is an acute viral infection characterized by muscle ache, tiredness, loss of appetite, headache, and fever, followed by swelling of salivary glands. Transmission of mumps virus occurs by direct contact with respiratory droplets, saliva or contact with contaminated fomites. Complications of mumps infection can include deafness, inflammation of the testicles, ovaries, or breasts, and spontaneous abortion. In recent years in the U.S., the majority of cases reported occurred among adolescents and young adults, including college students.
TD (Tetanus/Diphtheria) and/or Tdap (Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis)
Jacksonville University requires documentation of 1 dose of Tdap within the last 10 years. Tetanus (T) causes painful stiffening of the muscles. Tetanus can lead to serious health problems, including being unable to open the mouth, having trouble swallowing and breathing, or death. Diphtheria (d) can lead to difficulty breathing, heart failure, paralysis, or death. Pertussis (p), also known as “whooping cough,” can cause uncontrollable, violent coughing which makes it hard to breathe, eat, or drink. Pertussis can be extremely serious in babies and young children, causing pneumonia, convulsions, brain damage, or death. In teens and adults, it can cause weight loss, loss of bladder control, passing out, and rib fractures from severe coughing.
Residential Student Vaccine Requirements
In addition to the MMR and Tdap vaccine, all residential students must show proof of the following immunizations or sign the waiver included on the JU Immunization form.
MenACWY (MENACTRA/MENVEO) / Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccine
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) currently recommends meningitis vaccination for persons 16-23 years of age. The ACIP also recommends a booster dose of meningococcal vaccine for students who received their primary dose before the age of 16 years. Meningitis is an infection of the fluid of the spinal cord and brain, caused by bacteria and usually spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions (i.e., coughing; kissing). Bacterial meningitis can be quite severe and may result in brain damage, hearing loss, learning disability or even death. Although rare, individuals who live in close proximity to others, such as residential halls, have a slightly higher risk of contracting this disease. All residential students must show proof of immunization or sign the waiver. If you are under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver for you.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver caused primarily by contact with blood and other body fluids from infected persons. Hepatitis B vaccine can provide immunity against hepatitis B infection for persons at significant risk, including people who have received blood products containing the virus through transfusions, drug use, tattoos, or body piercings; people who have sex with multiple partners or with someone who is infected with the virus; and health care workers and people exposed to biomedical waste. All residential students must show proof of immunization or sign the waiver. If under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver. The vaccine is usually administered as a three-dose series on a 0-, 1-, and 6-month schedule. The 2nd dose should be given 1 month after the first dose; the third dose should be given at least 2 months after the second dose and at least 4 months after the first dose. Twinrix series (Hepatitis A & B vaccine) may be used as a substitute for the Hepatitis B series.
International Students
In addition to the MMR, Tdap, MenACWY and Hepatitis B vaccine, all international students must show proof of tuberculosis screening.
Tuberculosis Screening
International students must have completed screening within 12 months of matriculation. Tuberculosis screening test can be met by Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) *OR* an Interferon-gamma release assay lab test (IGRA). If either test returns positive, then a chest X-ray must be completed and a report in English must be submitted to Med+Proctor along with the treatment given, if indicated.
• FOR TST (Mantoux): The result of the TST must be recorded in mm in the space provided on the form and whether considered negative or positive.
• For Interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) (QuantiFERON Gold): A copy of the official lab report, written in English, must be submitted.
Optional Vaccines (Strongly Recommended)
Learn more about these vaccines through the CDC.
- Covid-19 Vaccine (please specify Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson)
- Varicella
- Hepatitis A
- HPV
- Polio
- Meningitis B
Vaccine Exemptions
Medical Exemption
Medical exemption requires specific, written documentation on office letterhead signed by a healthcare provider. The student/guardian must also sign the vaccine waiver.
Religious Exemption
Religious exemption must be accompanied by a signed statement from your church or a personal statement of your religious tenant and student/guardian completion of vaccine waiver. The student/guardian must also sign the vaccine waiver.
Exemption Risks
In the event of an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease on campus, students may be subject to exclusion from the Jacksonville University Campus. The student is responsible for any loss of fees, credit hours, and/or missed assignments associated with this leave. The student must understand the risks associated with failing to be immunized in the event of exemption or waiver. The student must also understand that they may be excluded from attending classes or other activities at JU for the duration of a vaccine preventable disease outbreak which can last up to 21 days after the last case is detected at Jacksonville University.
Residential Students: A non-immunized student may need to have their living arrangements changed should any of their living partners have a health condition that would put them in danger should the non-immunized person develop the disease against which they are not protected.