Immunizations
Flu Vaccine
Influenza vaccine is offered to students at a discounted cost beginning in September and continuing until the end of the fall semester. Updates will be posted on this website as more information becomes available. Influenza vaccine is recommended for college students at high risk for complications from the flu due to certain chronic illnesses.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
Hepatitis B is a serious infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus. It can be prevented by vaccination.
Student Health Services offers this vaccination to students at a cost of $55 per injection. Three injections are necessary to provide immunity and are given as follows: 1st dose, anytime; 2nd dose, 1-2 months after first dose; 3rd dose, 4-6 months after the second dose.
Completion of the 3-dose series of Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all college students.
Meningitis Vaccine
Meningitis is an inflammation of the lining surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This condition can be caused by several different organisms such as bacteria and viruses. Because meningococcal meningitis can cause grave illness, and can be fatal, it requires early diagnosis and treatment. Studies have indicated that freshman college students, particularly those who live in residence halls, constitute a group at a modestly increased risk for meningococcal disease. This type of meningitis is preventable by vaccine.
The Meningitis vaccine is available at the Grand Traverse County Health Department. Students under the age of 19 receive the vaccine for free. If over 19, and insured, insurance will be billed. Uninsured students over the age of 19, please stop into Student Health Services for options.
One dose of meningococcal vaccine is recommended for college students at high risk, particularly those who are freshman and living in residence halls.
Tetanus & Diphtheria (Tdap) Vaccine
Tetanus (lockjaw) and diphtheria are serious diseases. Tetanus is caused by a germ that enters the body through a cut or wound. Tetanus causes serious, painful spasms of all muscles.
Diphtheria spreads when germs pass from an infected person to the nose or throat of others. Diphtheria causes a thick coating in the nose, throat or airway that can lead to breathing problems, heart failure, paralysis and death.
After a booster dose during early adolescence, usually around age 11, a Td booster is needed every 10 years, or as early as five years if you have a dirty wound.
Tdap booster is available at Student Health Services for a cost of $40.
One Tdap booster within the last 10 years is recommended for all college students.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
Please see the Mumps information page on this site for the most current information regarding the Midwest mumps outbreak. Student Health Services does not currently offer the MMR vaccine. However, we can make a referral to several resources in our community to receive immunization.
Two doses of MMR vaccine are recommended for all college students.
Varicella (chickenpox) Vaccine
Chickenpox is a common childhood disease characterized by fever, malaise, and an intensely itchy, blistery rash. Complications such as secondary skin and blood infections, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and pneumonia are more severe and more common in adolescents and adults.
A vaccine, Varivax, is available to prevent varicella infection. Student Health Services does not currently offer the varicella vaccine. However, we can make a referral to several resources in our community to receive immunization.
Two doses of varicella vaccine are recommended for all college students who do not have a history of the disease.