Immunizations

Protecting campus health through immunization

Vaccine-preventable diseases pose a serious risk to the public health of the campus community, with outbreaks impacting individuals and the university.

Students should consider getting vaccinated and/or screened for certain highly contagious illnesses to help protect against vaccine-preventable diseases.

Recommended immunizations

U of I recommends students be immunized prior to or while attending college on campus. These recommendations are consistent with State of Idaho immunizations requirements for measles, mumps and rubella and Hepatitis B, which are required for all K-12 students attending public school in Idaho. The recommendations are also consistent with American College Health Association (ACHA) and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

Strongly recommended immunizations

Other recommended immunizations

  • Annual influenza
  • Tetanus-diphtheria
  • TB mantoux (PPD)
  • Varicella (Chicken Pox)
  • HPV
  • Polio

Vaccination information for Idaho post-secondary institutions and students

The Idaho State Board of Education requires that post-secondary institutions in Idaho provide current information on vaccine-preventable disease to each student at the time of admission or enrollment for classes (SBOE policies, Section III.P.15). View the items below for information about vaccine-preventable diseases, vaccination recommendations, benefits and risks of specific vaccinations and where to access vaccinations.

Vaccine preventable diseases

Vaccines are available for 18 dangerous or deadly diseases. These vaccines have prevented countless cases of disease and saved millions of lives.

Visit the CDC's website to learn signs and symptoms of different diseases and the vaccinations recommended to prevent them.

Vaccine-preventable diseases specific to college students

Infectious diseases are more likely to spread whenever large groups of people gather together. Students living in residence halls or Greek residences should talk to their medical provider about reducing risk of infectious disease when living in community settings, including meningococcal vaccinations.

Current CDC vaccine recommendations

In addition to the vaccines recommended by the University of Idaho above, the CDC recommends the following vaccines for various age groups.

Vaccine recommendations for students under the age of 18: English version | Spanish version

Vaccine recommendations for students 19 years of age and older: English version | Spanish version

Where vaccinations can be received

Students can obtain vaccinations through their primary care provider or Vandal Health Clinic. Students are encouraged to check with their insurance program to find preferred providers in the area prior to making an appointment for any vaccination.

Additionally, the Idaho Immunization Program provides information on where to get immunized.

University of Idaho provides seasonal influenza vaccines to U of I students throughout the academic year. Check the calendar for upcoming vaccine clinic dates.

Benefits and risks of vaccinations

In the U.S., vaccines have greatly reduced or eliminated many infectious diseases that once routinely killed or harmed infants, children, and adults. However, the viruses and bacteria that cause these diseases still exist and you can still get these diseases if you aren’t vaccinated. Additional benefits of vaccinations can be found through the Center for Disease Control.

Benefits and risks of all vaccinations, and specific information for those at higher risk of the disease can be found on each vaccination's "Vaccine Information Statement" (VIS) from the CDC. A complete listing of VISs can be found online and are updated as needed.

For questions about your risk of infection, vaccination risk and benefit, contact your primary care provider.