Immunizations
Specific programs may have additional health requirements.
Student registration access will be held if Tetanus immunization is not current.
To receive the required immunizations, contact your local Public Health Department or your health care provider.
Do you know your immunizations?
These immunizations are recommended for students, but not required by Minnesota Law.
Programs at Minnesota West may have specific immunization requirements. Please contact
the individual programs for program immunization requirements.
Meningococcal vaccine (meningitis): One time vaccine to cover years spent in college. Available vaccines include Mennomune and Menactra. Menactra may provide longer immunity.
Influenza (flu shot): One dose every fall, especially for those at high risk.
asthma, heart/lung disease, on drugs which decrease immunity.
DTaP (tetanus/diphtheria/acellular pertussis): New recommendation which adds pertussis (whooping cough) booster to the Td vaccine. A one time booster is given instead of the next scheduled Td booster. (Remember Tetanus immunization is required by law).
Pneumococcal (pneumonia shot): One-time vaccine, especially for those at high risk (adults 65 and over, people with chronic illnesses, spleen removal).
Hepatitis A: New recommendation of 2 doses 6-12 months apart. Especially important for people traveling outside of the United States.
Hepatitis B: Recommended for everyone. Many children now receive this shot as a routine part of child immunization plans. Series of 3 vaccinations over 6 months. Catch up vaccinations are available.
Varicella (chickenpox): Many students will have had the chickenpox before enrolling at Minnesota West. Adults who have not had the chickenpox should have 2 doses of the vaccine at least one month apart.
Polio: Most students have received this immunization series during childhood. Adults living in the United States who never received or completed this immunization series during childhood do not need to be vaccinated unless they will be traveling to areas where exposure is likely.
Gardasil: Vaccine for girls/women age 9-26 that helps protect against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). HPV causes genital warts and is the most common cause of cervical cancer. Immunity requires 3 doses over 6 months. For more information, visit www.gardasil.com or download a document containing Gardasil information.
Travel immunizations/medications: Immunizations and medications may be recommended or required depending on travel locations outside of the United States. Common immunizations/medications include: Hepatitis A/B, Influenza, Meningitis, Typhoid, Malaria, and Polio, and for some areas, Yellow Fever. It is recommended to schedule an appointment with your health care provider to discuss the appropriate immunizations/medications at least 4-6 weeks before departure.