FAQs - General

A. No. However, the Entrance Medical Record and Immunization Form (EMR) must be completed and returned prior to registration. You must be current on your immunizations.

A. All Oxford students must have the following required immunizations prior to matriculation:

• Measles, Mumps and Rubella Requirement: All students born on or after January 1, 1957 must meet this requirement, either by having been vaccinated against the 3 diseases (either as the combined vaccine MMR or individual vaccinations against the 3 diseases) or showing laboratory evidence of immunity to all 3 diseases.
  Dose 1: At 12 month of age or older
  Dose 2: At 4-6 years of age or older


• Tetanus-Diphtheria Requirement: All students must have the basic primary series of 3 doses of Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoid (DT or Td). These are usually given with Pertussis vaccine (DPT) in infancy. In addition, all students must have a Td booster within the past 10 years.


• Hepatitis B Requirement: All students must have a series of 3 Hepatitis B vaccinations (an initial dose, followed by a dose at 1-2 months and a dose at 4-6 months or later). A post-vaccine antibody titer (to demonstrate immunity) is recommended for students in healthcare fields.


• Varicella (Chickenpox) Requirement: All students must have documentation of one of the following: 1) a history of Varicella (chickenpox) disease, 2) a positive Varicella antibody titer coupled with a known history of 2 doses of Varicella vaccine, or 3) 2 documented doses of Varicella vaccine given at least 1 month apart. The recommendation for a second dose of Varicella vaccine is a relatively new guideline from the CDC.  Based on this new guideline, some students who have current antibodies to Varicella and a documented history of one dose of vaccine will still need a second dose of Varicella vaccine to maintain immunity. If students do not get the second dose of Varicella vaccine, their immunity is likely to fade.  A second dose will help ensure lifetime immunity.


• Tuberculosis Screening Requirement: All International Students from certain countries with endemic Tuberculosis must meet Oxford's Tuberculosis Screening Requirement. This requirement is in keeping with current CDC guidelines. Please refer to the Tuberculosis screening form section on the Entrance Medical Record.
  

Vaccinations recommended but not required:

• Polio Immunization: It is recommended that all students have a certified primary series of polio immunization (oral, inactivated or E-IPV).


• Meningococcal (Meningitis) Vaccination: The CDC and the American College Health Association have recommended that all students and parents be informed about meningococcal disease and the benefits of vaccination. The vaccine is recommended for all freshmen, particularly those who live in or plan to live in residence halls, and for all students who wish to reduce their risk of meningococcal meningitis. Students and parents with questions about the meningococcal vaccine should refer to Immunization Information.


• Hepatitis A Vaccine


• Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine

A. Student Health Service offers all required immunizations.

A. You can check with your High School and see if they have a copy on file, you can be revaccinated or you can have serologic testing for all the antigens (a blood test). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports there is no evidence that adverse reactions are increased when these vaccines are given to a person who is already immune.

A. Yes

A. Before coming to Oxford, you may receive the immunizations from your local health department or a private physician. Oxford College Student Health Service maintains a stock of all required student immunizations. If you begin a multi-dose vaccination series prior to arrival at Oxford, you may complete the series at the Oxford Student Health Service. Immunizations are available also at the Emory Student Health Service Immunization Clinic (Atlanta campus) or the Newton County Health Department (locally). There is a fee for these vaccines.

A. Yes. If you provide your antigen and your injection schedule from your allergist, along with written permission from the allergist stating SHS nurse practitioners are authorized to oversee your allergy injection administration your allergy shots can be administered at the Student Health Service office on a fee-for-service basis. Please see our fee schedule. Epinephrine and other equipment and supplies to manage potential reactions are maintained on site.

A. The Oxford College Student Health Service has a dispensary for many medications used to treat common illnesses. However, for chronic conditions, patients will need to pick up their prescriptions at a local pharmacy of their choice. Additionally, the local Rite Aid pharmacy (770) 786-1131 offers prescription delivery to the  on campus SHS office for student convenience. Students must make arrangements to pay for prescriptions prior to delivery by credit card over the phone or by leaving cash or check payment at the SHS reception desk for the prescription prior to the delivery. Please review your health insurance regarding requirements for prescriptions. Do you have to pay the full amount and then file a claim for reimbursement? What is your co-pay amount? You will need a current insurance wallet card to show the pharmacy if/when you pick up prescriptions.

A. You should check your OPUS "To Do List" to confirm that all your health documents have been received and that all immunization requirements have been met.