University Immunization and Disease Policies
Faulkner University has established immunization and disease policies to minimize the impact of communicable diseases and/or illnesses on the academic life, student life, residence life and general operation of the University. These policies also promote the health and well-being of students, faculty and staff. These policies contain institution-wide required and recommended immunizations. Students enrolled in certain academic programs, mission programs or other co-curricular and extracurricular activities may require additional immunizations.
Measles Immunization Policy
The Alabama Department of Public Health requires any student born in or after 1957 to provide documentation to the University that the prospective student has been vaccinated against the measles (as either the combined vaccine MMR or an individual vaccination) or showing laboratory evidence of immunity to the disease. A prospective student must provide documentation of the following:
- At least two doses of live measles-containing vaccines; or
- Previously had the measles disease, as diagnosed by a licensed physician; or
- Immunity to the measles disease as verified by laboratory evidence.
All students (former as well as first-time entering students) who register for classes must comply with this policy. All students who have attended an Alabama public or private elementary or secondary school accredited by the Alabama State Department of Education and/or the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools may be presumed to have had the initial vaccination and may be registered. However, said students must present documentation that they have received the second vaccination prior to registering for classes any subsequent term. Out-of-state and/or foreign students cannot be presumed to have had an initial vaccination. Those who do not meet these requirements will have a hold placed on their records and will not be permitted to register for future terms until they are in compliance. A student who can present formal documentation of medical or religious exemption will be excluded from the provision of this policy.
Mumps Immunization Policy
All students must provide documentation of two doses of the mumps vaccination (this may have been given as part of the MMR—measles, mumps and rubella—vaccinations). The first dose is normally given on or after the first birthday and the second dose must be at least one month after the first dose. If the immunization date is not available, a laboratory report of a blood test (titer) showing immunity will be accepted. A vaccine or titer report is not required for those born prior to 1957.
Rubella Immunization Policy
All students must provide documentation of two doses of the rubella vaccination (this may have been given as part of the MMR—measles, mumps and rubella—vaccinations). The first dose is normally given on or after the first birthday and the second dose must be at least one month after the first dose. If the immunization date is not available, a laboratory report of a blood test (titer) showing immunity will be accepted. A vaccine or titer report is not required for those born prior to 1957.
Polio Immunization Policy
All students must provide documentation of the basic primary series of polio vaccination (oral, inactivated, or E-IPV).
Meningitis Immunization Policy
The Center for Disease Control and the American College Health Association have recommended that all students and parents be informed about meningococcal disease and the benefits of vaccination. Faulkner University recommends that all students have a meningitis immunization before entering school, particularly those who live in or plan to live in residence halls, and for all students who wish to reduce their risk of meningococcal meningitis. Students and parents with questions about the meningococcal vaccine should contact the University Nurse at 334-386-7183
Tetanus-Diphtheria Immunization Policy
All students must provide documentation of the basic primary series of three doses of Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoid (DT or Td) vaccinations (These are usually given with the Pertussis vaccine (DPT) in infancy). In addition, all students must provide documentation of a Tetanus Toxoid (Td) vaccination within the past ten (10) years.
Tuberculosis Policy
All students must provide documentation of a negative tuberculin skin test (PPD). The PPD must have occurred within eighteen (18) months prior to the first day of class of the semester you enter school. Having a chest x-ray is not an acceptable alternative, unless a positive PPD test has previously occurred. Anyone with a new or previous PPD test, according to Alabama Public Health Department guidelines, must provide documentation that a licensed
physician has examined the chest x-ray films and an official report to Faulkner. If prospective student has initiated or completed medical treatment for a positive PPD, then documentation must be provided to Faulkner.
Hepatitis Immunization Policy
Faulkner University recommends that all students have a series of three Hepatitis B vaccinations (an initial dose, followed by a dose at 1-2 months and a dose at 6-12 months) before entering school.
Varicella (Chickenpox) Immunization Policy
All international students must provide documentation of a history of Varicella (chickenpox), a positive Varicella antibody titer, or two doses of vaccine given at least one month apart.
Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Policy
Faulkner University recommends that all students be informed about pneumonia and the benefits, risks, and recommendations for vaccination. Students are encouraged to visit with their health care provider prior to enrolling for classes.
Influenza Vaccination Policy
Faulkner University recommends that all students be informed about influenza and the benefits, risks, and recommendations for vaccination. Students are encouraged to visit with their health care provider prior to enrolling for classes.