Immunizations are one of the most effective measures to reduce illness. Your student may have received most recommended immunizations in childhood. In college, four immunizations are especially worth reconsidering now.
- Hepatitis A immunization is strongly recommended for U-M students because of outbreaks both locally and nationally. In the US, hepatitis A became a routine childhood immunization in 2006, so your student may have already received it. For details, see Hepatitis.
- Meningitis immunization can help prevent this serious and potentially fatal illness. Two different types of vaccine provide protection against different strains of meningitis. The standard meningitis vaccine does not protect against meningitis B, which causes about one-third of meningitis cases. Many incoming students have not received the meningitis B vaccination. For details, see Meningitis.
- Flu shots can reduce the risk of flu and severity of symptoms. Flu shots will be available on campus in the fall, including on Friday, November 2 during Family Weekend. Students should receive this vaccination annually. For details, see Flu and Vaccination.
- Tdap immunization protects against both tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough). The university has experienced recent cases of pertussis. This vaccine lasts for 10 years, and students often need to receive another dose during their college years. See pertussis recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Unsure whether your student has received these vaccines? Please check their immunization record, or they can ask their healthcare provider.
How to get immunized on campus: Students can get immunizations at University Health Service for a fee. They can start or complete a series of vaccines. They can also get immunizations for travel abroad. Some vaccines are relatively expensive, and vaccines are not covered by students’ health service fee, so do check whether/how a vaccine is covered by your health insurance. To schedule an appointment, students should call 734-764-8320.
Has your new student submitted their immunization records yet? New students are expected to submit their immunization records, which is easily done online. For convenience, you may also submit immunization records on behalf of your student. (Note that students who received all their immunizations in the state of Michigan do not need to submit their records.) See Immunization Records for instructions.
Is your new student a minor (under age 18)? If so, please complete and submit the Consent to Treatment of a Minor form for your student. This simple step can help in case your students need medical care on campus before they turn 18.
Does your student need health insurance? If so, consider the U-M Domestic Student Health Insurance Plan through Aetna. It is a low-priced, voluntary health insurance plan available to all U-M students. (Please note that some international students have a mandatory insurance requirement). The purchase price is $2084 per year, and it has a $500 deductible. Benefits include prescription drug coverage, clinic visits, mental health, annual vision exam, hospitalization, emergency room visits, ambulance service and more. The deadline to purchase coverage is September 30, 2018.
Of course, your student will be making their own health-related decisions, and at the same time, you can offer helpful suggestions and practical support for their choices.
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