Memo From The Doctor On Immunizations

Welcome to Youngstown State University!  The staff at Wick Primary Care at YSU is committed to providing you with quality up-to-date medical care and addressing your health care needs.  Our goal is to assist you in developing the healthiest lifestyle possible, and a large part of this is dependent on preventive care.  Immunizations against vaccine-preventable diseases are key to this approach.

Due to Ohio Law, Substitute House bill number 142, all students residing in residence halls are required to inform the University of their meningococcal and Hepatitis B vaccination status.

As a public University we follow the guidelines of the Youngstown health district related to immunization requirements. As a residential student in campus housing, you will be required to provide documentation of your immunization status. See the site for University Housing and Residence life for list of required and recommended immunizations.

Your immunization information can be uploaded at Med Proctor.

Although there are no immunization requirements for enrollment at YSU, we strongly recommend you review your medical records and consider updating any missing immunizations. The following is a summary of the guidelines set forth by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices: (See immunization requirements for international students below.)

• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): If you were born in or after 1957 two total doses are needed. Two doses are given at least 28 days apart after 12 months of age. If you were born before 1957, you are considered immune. Wick Primary Care at YSU wants to re-stress the need  to ensure immunity. Though proof of immunization is not mandatory, a strong recommendation is made for all students to have had two doses of MMR or proof of immunity by lab titer.
   
• Seasonal Influenza Vaccination: This vaccination is recommended annually for college students.
   
• Adacel (Tdap-Tetanus/Diptheria/acellular Pertussis): This is recommended as a one time, lifetime dose. It should replace a single dose of Td and be given to individuals between ages of 11- 64 years old regardless of the interval since the last Td booster. Some clinical programs may require Tdap within the last 10 years.
   
• Tetanus/Diptheria (Td): Initially given as a series along with the pertussis component during infancy and childhood. A booster dose is needed every ten years beginning 5-10 years after receiving Tdap, until information on the further need of a Tdap booster is available.
   
• Hepatitis A: This vaccine is recommended for all students. It is given as a series of two injections 6-12 months apart.
   
• Hepatitis B: This vaccine is now required as a part of routine child health care and should be considered for all individuals not already immune. It is given as a series of three injections over a 6 month period or two injections over a 4 week period.
   
• Varicella: Although this common childhood illness frequently resolves without difficulty, it can lead to serious and life threatening complications, especially as an adult. Vaccination is recommended for all college students without evidence of immunity. Evidence of immunity includes documentation of 2 prior doses given one month apart, physician diagnosed varicella or herpes zoster, persons U.S. born before 1980, or lab confirmation of immunity.
   
• Meningococcal (Meningitis ACWY): This illness is a severe disease caused by the Neisseria meningitides bacteria. It can cause an overwhelming blood, brain, and spinal cord infection. Symptoms can be vague and non-specific, frequently resembling the flu, and can quickly lead to death or cause permanent disabilities. Students living in the residence halls are at high risk of contracting this disease because they live in close quarters. Exposure to active and passive smoking, alcohol consumption, and bar patronage also increases the risk. The American College Health Association recommends that students, especially those in residence halls, consider this vaccine. Routinely given in 2 doses and a booster if less than age 16. Routine vaccination of people not at increased risk for exposure is not recommended after 21 years of age.
   
• Meningitis B: Recommended due to close quarters in university housing. 2 doses given age 16-23 based on risk factors and indications. No routine recommendation if not at risk. Housing site has information on how to get vaccinated.
   
• HPV: Recommended for all males 9-26 years old and females 11-26 years old. It is given as a series of 3 injections over a 6 month period.
   
• Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (Pneumonia): Recommended for young adults with chronic medical conditions such as pulmonary disease (including asthma and a history of smoking for ages 19-64 years old) or diabetes mellitus.

Some clinical programs may require titers or proof of immunization.

Immunization Requirements for International Students

It is mandatory that you provide either proof that you have had a recent negative Tuberculosis (TB) test or that you have a test once you arrive at Youngstown State University.  If you do not bring proof of a negative TB test, we will arrange for this testing during Orientation.

You will be required to have the following vaccinations and must upload proof of immunizations to Youngstown State University.

If you will live on campus, you will be required to provide documentation to the University of your meningococcal and Hepatitis B vaccination status. This is a state law of Ohio.

If you have any questions, please call us at 330-747-4660.  Our staff is available during the Walk-In Care hours listed in the sidebar.  Our doctors will be happy to see you by appointment at no cost. They are available during the Wick Primary Care hours.

Vaccination, Booster & Flu Clinics
Getting vaccinated remains the most effective way to battle the virus.  The Youngstown City Health Department will be offering the COVID-19 vaccines, boosters and flu shots at the YSU's vaccination clinics.

YSU has no mandatory immunization requirements for admission, but other areas (Housing and Student Health Service) may require proof.