Immunization Information
GTF Student Housing requires all students living in Student Housing to complete an immunization form that documents their immunization history. This must be done prior to a student moving into his or her assignment in Student Housing.
Please review the information below regarding the importance of immunizations for college students. Additionally, please read the instructions for completing the immunization form and print out a GTF Student Housing Immunization Form from the website.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that college students, particularly freshmen living in residence halls be educated about meningitis (a potentially fatal bacterial infection), hepatitis B and the benefits of vaccination.
The recommendation is based on recent studies showing that college students, particularly freshman in residence halls have a six-fold increased risk for meningitis and an increased risk of hepatitis B. In addition, The State of South Carolina requires that higher educational institutions inform students, or their parents (guardians), about the risk of contracting meningococcal disease and hepatitis B, and the availability of preventive vaccines. GTF Student Housing encourages all students, parents, and guardians to learn more about these serious communicable diseases and to make an informed decision regarding protection.
Meningococcal disease is rare but a potentially fatal bacterial infection (less than 3,000 cases annually in the United States with approximately 125 cases on college campuses and as many as 15 will die from the disease). When meningitis strikes, its flu-like symptoms make it difficult to diagnose. Transmission of the disease occurs from person to person through respiratory or oral secretions. Cases of meningitis among teens and young adults 15 to 24 years of age have more than doubled since 1991. The CDC does not consider that this risk warrants any changes in university living arrangements. GTF Student Housing and The American College Health Association highly recommend that students be educated and consider being vaccinated against this disease. College students who have not been immunized should strongly consider immunization.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) exposure can result in a serious disease that attacks the liver. There is no cure for this disease. CDC estimates that annually, in the United States, some 80,000 new cases occur, and some 5000 persons die from chronic liver problems related to hepatitis disease. HBV is a blood-borne disease and is commonly spread by contact with infected blood, needles or other sharps, or by having sex with an infected person. An infected woman can transmit the virus to her baby during birth. While all students should practice personal behaviors that reduce risk exposure, the best protection against HBV is immunization. Most infants and school-age children are now being routinely immunized. Most persons in the United States acquire HBV disease as adolescents and adults. Thus, college students who have not been immunized should strongly consider immunization.
For more detailed information, visit the CDC's website or the American College Health Association's website. You may also consult with your family physician, or contact your local health department.
