Immunization Requirements

The Student Health Center has a department to assist students with immunization issues. It is located near the Medical Clinic waiting room. The telephone number is 225/578-0593, FAX 225/578-5282 and e-mail is immunization@lsu.edu. The address is LSU Student Health Center, Immunization Desk, Baton Rouge, LA 70803.

The Law and Medical Recommendations: Louisiana law (R.S. 17:170 - Schools of Higher Learning) requires proof of dates of immunization against measles, mumps, rubella, and tetanus-diphtheria for all first-time LSU students born on or after January 1, 1957, and for reentering students (born on or after January 1, 1957) who have been out of school for one semester or longer. The following guidelines are presented for the purpose of meeting the established recommendations for control of vaccine-preventable diseases, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to the United States Public Health Service (ACIP), and the American College Health Association (ACHA). In addition, current Louisiana legislation now mandates meningitis vaccination for persons being admitted to a postsecondary education institution for the Fall semester 2006.

REQUIREMENT: Two (2) doses of measles vaccine, at least one (1) dose each of rubella and mumps vaccine, and a tetanus-diphtheria booster.

Measles Requirement: Two (2) doses of live vaccine given at any age, except that the vaccine must have been given on or after the first birthday, in 1968 or later, and without Immune Globulin. A second dose of measles vaccine must meet this same requirement, but should not have been given within 30 days of the first dose. A history of physician-diagnosed measles is acceptable for establishing immunity if properly documented.

Tetanus-diphtheria Requirement: A booster dose of vaccine given within the past ten (10) years. Students can be considered to have completed a primary series earlier in life, unless they state otherwise.

Meningococcal Requirement: Beginning Fall 2006, it is mandatory for students enrolling at LSU to be vaccinated against meningococcal disease. A dose of Menactra at anytime or a dose of Menomune within the last year will serve as satisfactory evidence of current immunization against meningococcal disease.

NOTE: In most cases, student compliance will require a second dose of measles vaccine (preferably as MMR) and a dose of tetanus-diphtheria (Td, Adult Type). In cases where no records can be located, or especially when immunization in the past is doubtful, two doses of MMR separated by a minimum of 30 days may be indicated.

Tuberculosis Questionnaire: Beginning Fall 2005, it is mandatory for all entering students to complete the Tuberculosis Questionnaire on the Proof of Immunization Compliance form.

Exemption Requirement: If a student requests an immunization exemption for medical or personal reasons, the Immunization Exemption section on the second page of the Proof of Immunization Compliance form must be completed and signed. An exempted student may be excluded from campus and from classes in the event of an outbreak of measles, mumps, or rubella until the outbreak is over or until the student submits proof of immunization.

For Further Information about immunizations, please call the Student Health Center Immunization Desk at 225/578-0593.