Rockhurst University requires ALL new students to complete the TB questionnaire and in addition all residential students need to provide proof of two MMR vaccines and a meningitis vaccine. The process can be completed through our Submission Process.
- Section 199.290 of the Missouri Revised Statutes requires that students attending any college or university in the state of Missouri be screened to identify those at high risk for tuberculosis (TB). This screening includes testing of identified high-risk populations to determine those that would benefit from treatment. The screening follows Center for Disease Control protocols and requires completion of a TB questionnaire and possibly testing. The statute requires colleges and universities to place a hold on a student’s registration if the student does not complete the TB questionnaire within the student’s first semester at a Missouri college or university.
Above is the link to Rockhurst University’s TB questionnaire. If a student answers no to all of the questions found on the questionnaire, the student is considered to have been effectively screened and no further action is needed. Each student shall attest that the information submitted on his/her TB screening questionnaire is true to the best of his/her knowledge and shall submit the signed screening test results to Rockhurst University. If a student answers yes to any of the statements found on the TB questionnaire, Rockhurst University requires that a TB risk assessment by a health care provider be completed within six months or prior to the student’s enrollment for the subsequent semester.
Each student required to undergo a TB risk assessment by a health care provider shall submit appropriate written documentation of his/her TB risk assessment results, including but not limited to any skin test results, blood test results or chest X-ray results signed by an appropriate health care provider.
Students may also complete any TB screening/testing at the Neighborhood Walk-in and Family Care Clinic located in the North Parking Garage on the Rockhurst University campus.
Legislation for TB Screening and CDC Information.
- Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)dates of two measles, mumps, and rubella vaccinations is required for all residential students.
Meningococcal Meningitis Disease and Immunization
Rockhurst University requires students who will reside on campus to provide dates of a meningitis vaccination and/or booster or sign a waiver that you understand the risk involved in not receiving this vaccine.
Rockhurst University encourages all other students to consider this vaccination as well as to become knowledgeable about meningitis and its symptoms in order to reduce their personal risk.
Meningococcal meningitis disease is a severe bacterial infection of the bloodstream and meninges (a thick lining covering the brain and spinal cord). It is a relatively rare disease and usually occurs as a single isolated event. Clusters of cases or outbreaks are also possible. The meningococcus germ is spread by direct close contact with nose or throat discharges of an infected person. College freshmen who live in on-campus housing have a slightly higher risk of getting this infection than others their age.
Vaccinations recommended by the American College Health Association
Meningococcal meningitis vaccine booster: A single booster dose is now recommended for those at 16 years of age who received the initial series of three doses at age 11-12 (Menactra or Menomune). If the initial three doses were given at 13-15 years, the booster dose should be given at 16-18 years of age. If the initial shots were given at 16 years or older, no booster is generally needed.
While two doses is recommended for most, all Rockhurst University residential students must have at least one meningococcal vaccination (or sign a waiver).
Tdap vaccine booster: A single dose of Tdap booster (tetanus = Td and pertussis+ap) should be given after age 11, but only this one time after age 11. This is given primarily to prevent pertussis (whooping cough), which is getting more frequent and occurs in adults as their childhood pertussis vaccine-induced immunity weakens. Tdap can be administered regardless of interval since the last tetanus vaccine. Adults should then receive tetanus (Td) boosters (not Tdap) every 10 years.
Quadrivalent and bivalent HPV vaccine: All non-pregnant females 11-26 years old should receive three doses of either bivalent or quadrivalent HPV vaccine (Gardasil) for HPV. The bivalent vaccine is indicated for prevention of cervical cancers and precancers but not for external genital warts. Males 9-26 years old can also receive quadrivalent HPV vaccine. The quadrivalent vaccine is indicated for prevention of genital warts, anal cancer and precancers. It also helps prevent cervical/precancer in females by lowering the risk of infection from males.
Influenza vaccine: Influenza vaccine is now recommended annually for all individuals over the age of 6 months and is especially helpful to prevent flu transmission in crowded environments, eg. students. These vaccinations are not required but will be offered on campus to Rockhurst University students, faculty and staff annually.