Immunizations at EIU

Throughout the past year, immunizations have been a hot topic, especially in the media. So, why is it important to get vaccinated? According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, if an unvaccinated person is exposed to a disease germ, the person's body may not be strong enough to fight the disease. Before vaccines, many people died from diseases that vaccines now prevent, such as whooping cough, measles, and polio, just to name a few.

In order to ensure the health and well being of our campus and community, EIU requires that all students provide proof of immunizations. Check out the information below regarding Illinois law, how to submit your immunization records, immunizations available at Health Service, as well as other useful information on the processes here at Eastern Illinois University!

ILLINOIS LAW

Illinois Law Public Act 85-1315 requires that all persons born on or after January 1, 1957 entering a four year public or private institution of higher education provide proof of immunizations. Students must provide the Health Service with proof of immunity by August 1 for the fall semester or December 15 for the spring semester.

The required immunizations include: Diphtheria/Tetanus (DT) within the past 10 years and two Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) after the first birthday.

SUBMITTING YOUR IMMUNIZATION RECORDS

Students who are enrolled in six or more hours of on-campus classes need to provide proof of immunizations. International students are required to provide proof of 3 DT’s and 2 MMR’s. Failure to send immunization records to the Health Service will result in a $35 non-compliance charge and a hold placed on the student’s university records.

There are several things to take into account when submitting your immunization records:

• For students under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the bottom portion of the university’s immunization form. This allows for consent for the student to be treated if necessary.
• All immunization records must be signed and dated by a nurse or physician. Signature stamps are NOT allowed.
• If students have had Measles, Mumps, or Rubella, lab results from blood tests are required for proof of immunity.
• Records that are not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation.

Students may either fax their records to (217) 581-3899 or mail them to the following address:

Eastern Illinois University
Health Service
600 Lincoln Avenue
Charleston, IL 61920-3099

IMMUNIZATIONS AVAILABLE AT THE HEALTH SERVICE

• Measles, Mumps, & Rubella (MMR): $85
• Tdap: $60
• Meningitis: $130
• Hepatitis A: $95 per injection (2 injections)
• Hepatitis B: $80 per injection (3 injections)
• Typhoid: At cost
• TB Tests: $15 per step
• Flu: FREE
• Note: The 2016-2017 Flu Shot Clinic will be held October 12th, 2016. Please visit http://www.eiu.edu/herc/flushotclinic.php for more information.

EXEMPTIONS THAT WILL BE ACCEPTED

Medical contraindication: A written, signed and dated statement from a physician stating the vaccine(s) contraindicated and duration OR medical condition that contraindicated the vaccine(s).

Religious exemptions: A written, signed, and dated statement by the student (parent/guardian if student is a minor) describing his/her objection to immunization based on bona fide religious tenets or practice.

Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy: A signed and dated statement from a physician stating the student is pregnant with anticipated due date.

HOURS & CONTACT INFORMATION

The Clinic’s hours are Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM during the academic year. Summer hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM and Friday from 8 AM to noon.

For additional information or questions, please call the Health Service at (217) 581-7786, e-mail health@eiu.edu, or visit www.eiu.edu/health.