Immunization Fact Sheet

Illinois State Law has mandated that all students entering a post-secondary institution in the State of Illinois must provide proof of immunity to measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria and tetanus. All students are required to show proof of immunity within one semester of enrollment, or they will be unable to enroll the following semester until the immunization requirements are completed.

SPECIFIC IMMUNIZATIONS YOU MAY NEED
Measles
Measles, also known as rubeola, is an acute, highly contagious disease. Measles vaccines have varied through the years. "Killed" measles vaccine was available from 1963-1967. "Live" vaccine was available January 1, 1968. Only the live vaccine ensures immunity.

You are considered IMMUNE if:

• you were diagnosed by a physician as having measles and have verification of the date
• laboratory evidence of measles antibodies is found in your blood – this test can be performed at McKinley for a fee
• you were given the first dose of live measles vaccine on or after your first birthday, or as of January 1, 1968
• you have received two doses of live vaccine - thirty days apart

You are considered SUSCEPTIBLE if:

• you have never received measles vaccine or received it prior to one year of age
• you were born after 1956 and received a killed vaccine; or if you received the combination of killed vaccine and gamma globulin
• you have not received two doses

Rubella
Rubella is also known as German measles or three-day measles. If you are female, it is important to know that you are protected. Rubella in pregnant women can cause birth defects. Since misdiagnosis of rubella is common, you should not assume that you have had the disease. Live rubella vaccine was available beginning June 19, 1969.

You are considered IMMUNE if:

• laboratory evidence of rubella antibodies is found in your blood - this test can be performed at McKinley for a fee
• you received a rubella vaccine on or after your first birthday

You are considered SUSCEPTIBLE if:

• you have never received rubella vaccine

Mumps
Mumps is a common childhood disease, but adults may be susceptible as well. Two types of mumps vaccine have been available. "Killed" mumps vaccine was available from 1957-1978. This type of vaccine gives only temporary immunity and, therefore does not give lifelong protection. "Live" mumps vaccine became available January 1, 1968. This live vaccine gives immunity.

You are considered IMMUNE if:

• you were diagnosed by a physician as having mumps and have verification of the date
• you received live mumps vaccine on or after your first birthday

You are considered SUSCEPTIBLE if:

• you have never received mumps vaccine or received it prior to one year of age
• laboratory evidence of mumps antibodies is found in your blood – this test can be performed at McKinley for a fee
• you received a killed mumps vaccine

SUMMARY
Although the State of Illinois requires proof of immunity to measles, mumps and rubella at 12 months of age, it is preferable to have received the vaccines as of 15 months of age. Maternal antibodies that may be present in the body up to 15 months of age may interfere with the development of adequate protection against these diseases. A recent recommendation from the American College on Immunization Practices stated that a booster dose of measles vaccine is recommended for those born after December 31, 1956. A booster dose of MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) may be given with no serious adverse effects. A combination vaccine against Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) is available at McKinley Health Center for a fee.

TETANUS/DIPHTHERIA (combined vaccine) / TETANUS/DIPTHERIA/PERTUSSIS (TdAP)
Tetanus (also known as lockjaw) can occur when a wound becomes infected with the tetanus bacterium. This disease often results in death. Diphtheria is an acute, contagious infection that can cause fatal inflammation of the nerves and the lining of the heart. Pertussis (Whooping Cough) is a highly contagious disease that causes classic spasms of uncontrollable coughing, followed by a sharp, high-pitched intake of air, which creates the characteristic “whoop” of the disease’s name. An adult booster of TdAP is recommended because adults are the primary source of infection for children.

You are considered IMMUNE if:

• you received the primary (3) vaccination series, and you have received a tetanus/diphtheria booster within the last ten years

You are considered SUSCEPTIBLE if:

• you never completed the primary vaccination series
• you have not received a tetanus/diphtheria booster following the primary series, within the last ten years

To maintain your immunity, you must continue to receive this combined immunization every ten years throughout your life.

For information on Polio Vaccine and Tuberculin Test, check the McKinley Web site.

Immunizations are available from the Immunization and Travel Clinic at McKinley Health Center for a fee. If you have any questions about these or other immunizations, please call: the Immunization and Travel Clinic at 333-2702.

Reference
U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Immunization Program. VIS-MMR (12/16/98), VIS-DtaP (7/30/01).

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