IMPORTANT CHANGES TO THE UNIVERSITY'S IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS FOR RETURNING STUDENTS

The University of Pennsylvania has recently revised the required immunizations for both incoming and returning students for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap), and for meningococcal disease.  These changes follow the recommendations of the American College Health Association (ACHA). They have based these on the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP).

 The following is a summary of the changes; the details can be found  here. The other immunization requirements will remain the same.  

#1:

Requirement : Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap)

Who is affected? All full-time students living in the Philadelphia area

Students must have proof of Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis Vaccine) immunization.

Students with Td (Tetanus and Diphtheria) only will not be considered compliant and must be immunization Tdap, regardless of the date that Td was given.

#2:

Requirement : Meningococcal

Who is affected? All students living in campus housing

Students living on campus who are age 21 or younger must submit proof of 1 dose of meningococcal vaccine (this includes students who have already submitted a Meningococcal Waiver).  To be acceptable, the vaccine must have been given after the student is age 16. At minimum, the vaccine must cover serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135. Meningococcal Frequently asked Questions.

What you need to do:

Please take time over the summer to review your immunization history regarding these changes. If you have any questions, or wish assistance the Immunization Compliance Office staff will be happy to review your immunization history with you.  We can be reached at 215 746 3535 , menu option #4 or via secure message at https://shs.upenn.edu . Or you may choose to have your own health provider review your immunization history to ensure compliance. 

If you require one or more immunizations:

Students may update their immunizations at SHS by appointment or if you prefer your can have your immunizations updated by another health care provider. In this case, please fax the updated immunization record to us at 215 746 0909 . If you have previously submitted your immunization history online, you won’t be able to use this mechanism again and will need to fax the records or bring them to our office.

Note that required immunizations are covered at 100% or students with PSIP,

What will happen if I don’t comply?

If you require one or more of these immunizations, and you are in a group subject to the requirement (see above) we will contact you in September. As with incoming students, students who don’t comply will have a registration block placed on their student accounts in October for the 2012 spring term.

 If you have any questions about these requirements or any questions regarding the immunization requirements please feel free to contact us at 215 746 3535 , option #4 via secure message at https://shs.upenn.edu .