IMMUNIZATION POLICY

Wheaton College is a community in which health and wellness are important considerations. Accordingly, there are entrance health requirements which must be met so that we may all live together in a healthy community.

Requirements
Prior to enrollment (and by the deadlines set by Student Health Services), all Wheaton College students, whether residing on or off campus, are required to

  1. submit a completed medical history form

  2. provide documentation of a confirmed standard medical examination

  3. provide proof of immunity as to certain diseases (e.g., through vaccination), and

  4. provide evidence of negative results of a tuberculosis screening (PPD). If this information is not submitted to Student Health Services before the deadline, Wheaton College will place a hold on the student's registration and assess a $100 fine. The student will be unable to enroll until the requirements are completed.

Proof Of Immunity
Wheaton College, in compliance with Illinois law, requires that students demonstrate proof of immunity with respect to measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, and diphtheria. In addition, the College requires that students undergo a PPD test to rule out tuberculosis.

Proof of immunity is evidence of either appropriate immunization, physician-diagnosed disease leading to immunity or serologic testing (blood tests). Information regarding the specific vaccinations and other documentation required to establish proof of immunity is available from Student Health Services.

Recommended Immunizations
In addition to the required immunizations, Wheaton College, the American College Health Association (ACHA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly recommend vaccines against the following:

Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a contagious virus that is spread through bodily fluids, attacks the liver, and leads to lifelong infection. There is no cure for Hepatitis B, but the infection can be prevented by vaccination. This vaccine is a series of three injections.

Meningitis
Meningitis is a rare, but disabling and potentially fatal bacterial disease. It attacks the meninges and causes swelling that will affect brain and spinal cord function. It is spread through the air via respiratory secretions or close contact with an infected person. Symptoms resemble the flu and can include sudden high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, rash, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, and confusion. This vaccine is one injection.

Varicella (Chicken Pox)
A two-shot vaccination series is recommended for students who have not previously had the chicken pox (or the vaccination).

Click here for the Immunization Exemption Policy

Click here for the Immunization Exemption Form (Word format)