Immunizations

Immunizations prevent or reduce the likelihood of getting a disease. They should be part of your preventative health care as well as a preparation for travel. Most immunizations are not mandatory for travel today, but there are several vaccines that are recommended depending on where you plan to travel.

For information on any immunizations not listed below or for referrals to outside agencies to obtain those needed for travel abroad, please call Student Health Services at (909) 448-4619 for further assistance.

The following is a list of immunizations recommended prior to admission and/or travel.

Tdap Most college students have completed a primary series against these childhood diseases. Boosters for diphtheria and tetanus are needed every 10 years to maintain protection.
Hepatitis A Hepatitis A is an important immunization to have if traveling. It is the most common disease among travelers that can be prevented by vaccination. Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver disease that can cause jaundice, pain, weakness, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms can sometimes last for weeks to months, thereby compromising your travel plans.
Hepatitis B Hepatitis B is recommended not only for travel purposes but for students entering the University of La Verne. Sexually active persons are at the highest risk for this serious liver disease.
Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) Outbreaks of measles still occur and sometimes on college campuses. Women of childbearing age should be sure they are immunized. Two doses of the MMR vaccine will make sure you are immune to these diseases.
Meningitis Certain college students are at increased risk for contracting the meningococcal disease, a potentially fatal bacterial infection commonly referred to as meningitis. Students living in residence halls are found to have a six-fold increased risk for the disease. It is the recommendation of the American College Health Association that all college students consider receiving the immunization.

  • What is meningococcal meningitis?Meningitis is rare. However, when contracted, this potentially fatal bacterial disease can lead to the swelling of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal column as well as severe and permanent disabilities, such as hearing loss, brain damage, seizures, limb amputation, and even death.
  • How is it spread?Meningococcal meningitis is spread through the air via respiratory secretions or close contact with an infected person. This can include coughing, sneezing, kissing, or sharing items like utensils, cigarettes, and drinking glasses.
  • What are the symptoms?Symptoms of meningococcal meningitis often resemble the flu and can include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, rash, nausea, vomiting, lethargy and confusion. The disease can strike quickly, with rapid progression over a six to twelve hour period.
  • Who is at risk?Certain college students, particularly students who live in residence halls, have been found to have an increased risk for meningococcal meningitis. Other students can also consider vaccination to reduce their risk for the disease.
  • Can meningitis be prevented?There is a safe and effective vaccine (Menactra) available to protect against four of the five most common strains of the disease. The vaccine provides protection for approximately ten (10) years. As with any vaccine, vaccination against meningitis may not protect 100 percent of all susceptible individuals.

     Please call the Health Center at (909) 448-4619 for availability and cost of menactra vaccine.
TB screening Tuberculosis is a debilitating bacterial disease of the lungs. There has been a recent increase of TB cases among college age students. TB is easily detectable by a skin test called PPD and treatable with antibiotics. Service learning students are required to show proof of a PPD test before working with the community.
Typhoid The typhoid vaccine provides active immunity against the bacteria that causes typhoid fever. You should be vaccinated if you are in close contact with a person who has typhoid fever, are traveling to an area where typhoid fever is common, or work in a lab where you could come in contact with salmonella typhi.
Varicella (Chickenpox Virus) Outbreaks of Chickenpox still occur, and sometimes on college campuses.  Two doses or evidence of the childhood disease will make sure you are immune.
Yellow Fever Vaccination  Certain countries require an official International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination before you can enter.