TB prevention and Immunization
Friends University and the State of Kansas have long required F-1 visa holders to be tested for tuberculosis (TB). Starting in the fall of 2010, the Friends University will require those who are considered high-risk for tuberculosis, including all F-1 international students, to be tested with a blood test called Quantiferon (QFT). There are several advantages to using QFT:
• Requires fewer patient visits to complete the TB screening process
• Results are more accurate than the TB skin test
• BCG vaccination does not affect QFT results.
1. All new F-1 students will be required to have the QFT prior to beginning classes. Returning F-1 students may be required to have testing completed at the discretion of the International Advisor.
2. F-1 students traveling outside of the United States for 90 days or more will be required to contact the International Service Office upon return to the United States to determine if additional testing will be necessary.
If the test is positive, a chest x-ray (CXR) will be required. Email internationalservice@friends.edu with any questions.
Students should undergo TB screening if they have arrived from or spent significant time in any country other than the United States.
Meningitis vaccine
NOTE: This is only mandatory for students living in on-campus housing.
The Centers for Disease Control’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has established guidelines for the meningitis vaccine aimed at all new students including college freshmen living in campus-owned student housing. The American College Health Association supports these guidelines. In response to these efforts, the state of Kansas has mandated that “all incoming students residing in university housing be vaccinated for meningitis or sign a waiver indicating that they refuse to take the vaccine” effective July 1, 2007.
If you plan to live in Friends University housing, you will be required to have a current meningitis vaccine typically received within the past 3-5 years. A meningitis vaccine given as a young child does not meet the “current” requirements. You will need to bring proof of the meningitis vaccine, as well as proof of all of your vaccines (from birth to date) when you come to your orientation meeting.
In an attempt to reduce the risk of this serious disease among the college population and in compliance with state policy, Friends University requires that each first-time resident of a University-owned residence complete and submit a Meningitis Vaccination and Disease Information Form within fifteen (15) days of occupancy of a University-owned residence. Immunizations help decrease the risk of contracting serious diseases. Visit the Centers for Disease Control site for further information on meningitis and meningitis vaccinations.
Immunization information
In the United States, proof of immunization against diphtheria, measles, poliomyelitis and rubella is now universally required for entry into school. In addition, the school entry requirements of most states include immunization against tetanus (usually combined with diphtheria vaccine as Td), pertussis and mumps (usually combined with measles and rubella vaccine as MMR). Hepatitis B immunization is also highly recommended*. (Information acquired from cdc.gov/travel)