Post-Secondary School Immunizations
Routine Immunizations for Post-Secondary Students
Most vaccines are given early in childhood or early adolescence, but post-secondary students and young adults need certain immunizations, too. If you are unsure if you are up to date on your adult immunizations, talk to your healthcare provider before starting your post-secondary experience.
Tetanus Diphtheria and Acellular Pertussis (Tdap)
The Tdap immunization is recommended once as an adult and then reverts to tetanus and diphtheria once every ten years. This immunization protects you from tetanus (also known as lockjaw) most commonly a risk after being wounded or bitten; diphtheria is an upper respiratory tract illness characterized by sore throat, low fever, and an adherent membrane on the tonsils, pharynx, or nasal cavity; acellular pertussis is an adult form of the pertussis (also known as whooping cough) immunization. Each year we see several cases of pertussis on campus. It is a very contagious disease requiring isolation for a period of multiple days while on medication. This cough can linger for several months even when the period of contagiousness is over, and this can affect your sleep, socialization, and academics.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
Measles, mumps and rubella are all highly contagious viral infections. Measles is spread through the air from person to person. Mumps and rubella are spread by contact with an infected person, through coughing and sneezing. It is recommended that susceptible students born after 1970 who are entering post-secondary institutions have documented evidence of receiving two doses of the MMR immunization, on or after their first birthday, or laboratory evidence of immunity, or a history of laboratory confirmed measles disease.
Meningococcal
Meningitis is an infection of the lining of the brain that can be caused by a bacteria or a virus. Bacterial meningitis is highly contagious and can be fatal or result in serious long term effects such as blindness, amputations, and permanent brain damage. While not common, the risk for this disease is greatest in people who are living in close quarters and who may share eating utensils, personal hygiene items, or through close personal contact (e.g., kissing). Immunization for meningitis is recommended for anyone who wants to reduce risk, not just students in the residence halls. The meningococcal ACYW-135 immunization is a mandatory vaccine for Children in Ontario at age 11 to 12, so if you received it then, you should get a booster as you start post-secondary.
A second meningitis vaccine, the serogroup B meningococcal vaccine, provides protection against most strains of serogroup B meningococcal disease. This is a 2-dose series, given at least 1 month apart.
Influenza (flu)
Immunization against the flu is recommended once a year, particularly for those at high-risk, or those who spend time with high-risk individuals. A free flu vaccine is available every fall from your health care provider, various pharmacies, and at the KFL&A Public Health Flu Clinics.
Health Risk Post-Secondary Program Immunization Requirements
Certain programs make individuals at a higher risk of contracting and spreading vaccine-preventable disease. For this reason, post-secondary institutions may request proof of certain immunizations before you can attend beyond those listed above. If you are unsure if you are up to date on your adult immunizations, talk to your healthcare provider before starting your post-secondary experience.
College or University Immunization Forms
These registration forms are usually signed by a health care provider after reviewing your immunization record. Please contact your health care provider or student health services to have these forms completed.
KFL&A Public Health does not order blood titres or do TB skin tests, also known as a Mantoux test. Blood titres help determine whether you are immune to a certain illness (either through immunization or having had the disease previously) and can be obtained only through your health care provider or a walk-in clinic along with TB skin tests.
Resources
- Publicly Funded Immunization Schedule (PDF)
- Vaccines and immunizations - Government of Ontario
- Immunize Canada