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Florida Gulf Coast University

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Student Health Services

Immunizations

 
 

Distance LearnersDue to a policy change to insure the safety of all students, distance learning students are now required to submit Immunization documentation prior to class registration, effective Summer 2011.

        Allow 24 to 48 business hours for documents to be received, reviewed, processed & your hold updated

**MO/DA/YR MUST BE PROVIDED ON DOCUMENTS OR THEY WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED, EFFECTIVE 06/01/11**

**Please place your University ID Number on all documents

**The tabs below should answer all of your questions regarding hours, where/how to send documents etc..

***Remember to view your "HOLD" screen in your Gulf Line account to track documents sent

 Download Student Forms

IF you do NOT have vaccination records from another institution (see requirements below) the "Immunization Form" below should be taken to a doctor, completed, signed, stamped & returned. 

***If you already have immunization documents you do NOT need to submit the FGCU Immunization History form***

  • Points of Interest
  • Requirements
  • Hours
  • Contact Us
  • Immunization FAQ
  • Costs

-Need to order a copy of your immunization records on file with FGCU?

Please complete the entire form below and print neatly.

You may fax or email the request form (see "Contact" tab above) or walk in and order a copy of your immunization records at no charge.

Please allow 24-48 business hours for your request to be processed. (CLICK LINK BELOW)

Immunization Records Request Form

FGCU Immunization Requirements:

The State University System of Florida requires all students born AFTER December 31, 1956 to present documented proof of immunity to measles (Rubeola) and German Measles (Rubella). This written document must be signed by a physician, a nurse practitioner or a registered nurse and must be mailed, emailed, faxed, or delivered to Student Health Services. Phone calls from your physician are not acceptable. If you have questions, call the FGCU Student Health Services at (239) 590-1254.

Requirements

***Effective 06/01/11 the date in the following format: MO/DA/YR must be provided on documents or they will NOT be accepted***

  • 2 Measles (Rubeola) vaccines OR 2 MMR’s are acceptable
  • 1 Rubella (German Measles) vaccine
  • Hepatitis B vaccine series or sign FGCU waiver
  • 1 Meningitis vaccine or sign FGCU waiver

Acceptable Proof/Acceptable Documentation Forms: 

  • Proof of two (2) Vaccinations Doses of Measles received at least 28 days apart and one vaccination of Rubella Vaccinations must have been received AFTER your first birthday. Measles vaccinations MUST have been received in 1968 or later
    Rubella vaccination in 1969 or later.
  • Proof of immunity by way of a blood test result (titer). Must submit lab documentation.
  • The official State of Florida Immunization Form (Form 680, blue form) issued by local "Health Departments" and physician offices.
  • Childhood immunization records (the little booklets) 
  • Previous school documents (your high school can fax a copy but you will need to speak with that school to request them)
  • High school transcripts or State University records
  • Military documents, must have dates not a discharge date
  • Exemption: Medical/Pregancy/Breastfeeding/Illness/Age, please see "Valid Immunization Exemptions" below.

Not able to find your immunization documents?

If you are unable to obtain written documentation of the actual dates, it is recommended that you either have a blood antibody "titer" test performed to determine if you are immune to both viral diseases, or if you must register ASAP and are unable to wait for the test results; you may elect to receive an MMR vaccines however (2) doses may be required.

Immunization Process:

The student will provide immunization documents from other institutions/offices or the FGCU Immunization History Form at least 48 business hours PRIOR to class registration. The documents will be reviewed and determined complete or not by the immunization staff within 48 business hours after receiving them.

If the documents are determined complete by the staff the students Immunization hold will be cleared and he/she will be able to register for classes. 

If the documents are incomplete (see "requirements" above) the staff will update the “Immunization Hold”  with a current date and the reason.  Students may view the hold reason through their Gulf Line account "hold screen."

Valid Immunization Exemptions:

You will be exempt from the State of Florida University System immunization requirements if you meet any one of the following:

  • Birthdate exempt if born prior to December 31, 1956 PLEASE CALL THE IMMUNIZATION DEPARTMENT 239-590-1254, HAVE YOUR UINVERSITY ID READY AND DATE OF BIRTH.
  • Temporary Medical Exemptions: (pregnancy, illness, allergies see directions below)

Pregnancy/Breastfeeding/Fertility Treatments: On a dated office/physicians letterhead please specifiy name, DOB & expected date of delivery if pregnant.  Please provide brief explaination of event & include physicians signature and contact information.

Illness/Disease: A written, dated statement signed by a qualified health care provider on office letterhead which specifies the students name, DOB, date seen & that the MMR vaccines can not be given as student is immunocompromised. 

Allergy: A written, dated statement signed by a qualified health care provider on office letterhead which specifies the date seen, type of reaction & a brief explaination of the event. 

For questions or details on ALL SUS exemptions including Religious exemptions please contact the Immunization Department, 239-590-1254 M-F 8:15-4:30


You may receive vaccinations or immunity testing at the following locations: (Please call that location to varify)

  • FGCU Student Health Services (must have a University ID Number)
  • Walk-in clinics
  • Your private physician office
  • Health Department

SUMMER IMMUNIZATION SERVICE HOURS

Closed for Lunch: 12:00PM-1:00PM

Appointments ARE required and can be made by calling 239-590-1254

Monday           8:15am - 4:30pm 

Tuesday          8:15am - 4:30pm 

Wednesday     8:15am - 4:30pm  

Thursday        8:15am - 4:30pm  

Friday             9:00am - 4:30pm  

 

UPCOMING HOLIDAY/BREAK HOURS & CLOSINGS

05/28/12      CLOSED        CLOSED                      Memorial Day Observed

07/04/12      CLOSED        CLOSED                      Independence Day/July 4th

09/03/12      CLOSED        CLOSED                       Labor Day

Completed Immunization History forms/documents may be mailed, faxed, e-mailed or dropped off to Student Health Services Immunnization Department upon completion. 

Original copies or certificates and/or immunization books DO NOT HAVE TO BE TURNED IN; in this case, photocopies of original documents are acceptable.

FAX

239-590-7968

EMAIL

Stephanie Harper

 sharper@fgcu.edu

 OFFICE

239-590-1254

 ADDRESS 

Florida Gulf Coast University
Student Health Services
Immunization Department
10501 FGCU Blvd South
Ft. Myers, FL 33965
DROP OFF;
Florida Gulf Coast University
Student Health Services
Immunization Department
Located in the Wellness Center
Room #102
OR if after hours you may place documents
in the drop box located outside the front door  

Immunization Office FAQs

1.  Where can I obtain my shot records?

You may contact your parents/guardians to see if they have any official documentation for you like a childhood shot record. You can also try any public schools that you may have attended. Previous colleges and/or universities are good sources too, especially if you are a transfer student. Previous physicians may also have the records, Military documents or the Florida Department of Health (Blue) Form.

2.  What is a MMR?

A MMR is a measles, mumps and rubella combination shot.

3.  Where is the Immunization Office located?

The Immunization Office is located in the Wellness Building, Room 102 on the FGCU Campus.

4. Should I send my immunization records together with the rest of my application packet or should they be sent directly to Student Health Services?

IMPORTANT-To avoid delays, please mail, fax, email, or bring your immunization records directly to the immunization office. Do NOT send with your application.

5.  I am faxing/emailing my immunization records. Do I still need to mail the original?

No, a legible faxed or emailed, copy of your shot records and immunization form will be sufficient. However, it is a good idea to check your Gulf Line account/hold screen to confirm that the information was received and that it is acceptable.

6. I have been a previous student at FGCU. Do you still have my immunization records on file?

Public universities in Florida are required to keep records for seven years from the time they
were submitted. You should check with us to see if we still have them and if they meet the current requirements.

7. Is this just a Florida Gulf Coast University Requirement?

No, all 11 public 4-year universities in Florida must abide by these requirements.

8.  I have attended another state university; do I still have to show proof of immunization when the requirements are the same?

Each university stores the immunization data differently and these systems are not linked together. Also, the requirement states that each university must have a copy of every
student's immunization record on file. Note: if you signed a waiver form at another school they do not transfer.  You must sign waivers at each school you attend.

9.  I am a transient student from another Florida public university. How can I take care of my immunization requirement?

You may have your current university print copy of your Immunization Records showing that they have your information on file.

10. I had my transcripts sent to FGCU and they were supposed to include my immunization records. Why don't you have a copy of them?

First make sure you sent them to “Student Health Services” or they may end up at Admissions. If Admissions has your immunization records you will need to contact them to retrieve them.  College transcripts generally do not contain immunization records, but many high school transcripts do.

11. I heard that I can waive some shots. Is that true?

Students have the option of either waiving or providing shot records for hepatitis B (3 shots) and meningococcal meningitis. If you have started but not completed the series you will also need to sign the waiver.  However, every student born after 1956 needs to provide shot records for measles and rubella (MMR). See questions below for exceptions.

12.  What if I have a medical reason for not getting the vaccinations?

A medical exemption can be submitted by your physician and it must include the medical reason for the exemption, date and expiration.

13.  I may be pregnant or I am currently pregnant and nursing. What can I do if I don't have my immunization records?

You may submit a dated letter from your physician stating your situation. Another option
would be to have your blood tested for immunity to measles and rubella (results must be
positive). Pregnant women are routinely tested for rubella, so you could get a copy of that
from your OB/GYN. Keep in mind that either way, you still need to fill out an FGCU
immunization form & have a note from your doctor.

14.  What can I do if my religious convictions prohibit me from getting vaccinated?

You may submit an FGCU Religious Exemption Form. All state universities require their own form not a form from high school.  Please call 239-590-1254 for more information.

15.  What if I just don't believe in getting shots? What do I do then?

You have the option of having a blood test done (titer)to show the presence of the measles and
rubella antibodies. If the test results are positive and show immunity to measles and rubella,
then this would be acceptable. However, if these tests came back negative, then you would
have to show proof of immunization or receive the vaccines.

16.  I recall having had measles and/or rubella. Doesn't that prove that I am immune?

According to the immunization requirements for attending a Florida public university, having
had rubella (German Measles) is NOT sufficient proof of immunity.
You may have a blood test to show that you have antibodies in your system against this
disease.

17.  I have had children. Didn't they test for immunity to measles and rubella when I was
pregnant?

Women are routinely tested for immunity to rubella (NOT measles) when pregnant. You
may get a copy of the lab results from your OB/GYN for this part of the immunization
requirement. You still need to prove that you are immune to measles.

18.  I was in the military; doesn't this prove that I have had all of my immunizations?

No. While most people in the military have received many immunizations, the requirement
states that we must have the actual immunization dates on file.
Veterans Affairs is usually a good source for getting a copy of your shot records, however, it
may take some time before they can get them to you.
If you do not have a copy of your military immunization records, you may want to take this
time factor under consideration when registering for classes.

19.  If I have documents from the health department, do I still need to complete the FGCU Immunization History Form/Waiver?

You may submit the blue Health Department form but please check to see that you have received all 3 does of Hepatitis B & the Meningitis vaccine.  If these are not complete then yes you need to fill out the FGCU history form and check the waiver box OR you may electronically waive the vaccines through your Gulf Line account.

20.  I am over 40 years old; do I still need to submit Immunizations?

Yes, all students must submit the state mandated Immunization required vaccines.

21.  If I was born before 1957, do I still need to fill out this form?

If you were born BEFORE 12/31/56 you do not need to fill out the FGCU immunization document.  You do need to call the immunization office at 239-590-1254 and let them know that you are birth date exempt and they will note your DOB in the system.


22.  Why were my documents good enough to get through public school down here, but not good enough for the university?

Until recently, almost all public schools in Florida only required that you have one dose of
the measles immunization. The State of Florida now requires two doses of the measles immunization.
This means that you could have gone all through public school with only one (1) measles
immunization which does not meet the current requirements. Private schools may not have
had any immunization requirements. 2 doses are required by the State of Florida.

23.  I had my first shot before my first birthday, why would this be unacceptable?

Immunizations given prior to your first birthday (12 months old) may be ineffective because your immune
system is not fully developed. The CDC (Center for Disease Control) recommends that the
measles and rubella immunizations be given after you are one year old. (see form)

24.  My parents kept a "baby book" with the dates of my vaccines. Is that official enough?

In order for it to be official, it needs to have a doctor's signature, dates and/or stamp. You may scan and email, fax, mail a copy (do not mail originals) or bring in that record for us to view.

25.  What if my doctor doesn't have an office stamp?

A "stamp" can be the office address.  The FGCU form must be stamped and signed IF completed by a physician or it will not be accepted.  If the office does not have a stamp you may have him/her write your immunization dates on his/her letterhead or the office may print out your vaccination dates.

26.  I am not a student at FGCU yet. Can I use your clinic to get the shots or have a titer?

Yes. Prospective students that have be accepted and have a University ID Number may receive MMRs, Hepatitis B and Meningitis
vaccines, as well as titer tests for measles, rubella and hepatitis B.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (239)590-1254.

27.  I have attended FGCU and now I need my immunization records for myself or another school. How can I get a copy of them?

You may complete the "Immunization Records Request Form"on the "Points of Interest" tab and follow the directions OR you may come in person to our office (Wellness Building) with your Eagle ID and fill out the request form.  Please allow 24 business hours for us to complete this process.  (Please see the "Points of Interest" tab.)

28. How is meningococcal disease spread?

 Meningococcal disease is transmitted through the air droplets of respiratory secretions and direct contact with an infected person.

29. Who is at risk?

Recent evidence found students residing on campus in dormitories appear to be at higher risk for meningococcal disease than college students overall.  Further research recently released by the CDC shows freshmen living in dormitories have a six times higher risk of meningococcal disease than college students overall.  Although anyone can come in contact with the bacteria that causes meningococcal disease, data also indicates certain behaviors, such as exposure to passive and active smoking, bar patronage, and excessive alcohol consumption, may put students at increased risk for the disease.

30. Is meningitis vaccine recommended?

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the American College Health Association recommends that individuals college students, particularly college freshmen who live in or plan to live in dormitories or resident halls, consider getting the meningitis vaccine to reduce their risk of meningococcal disease.  The Florida Legislature mandates that students living in on campus housing be vaccinated for meningitis and hepatitis B or sign a waiver refusing them.

31. How effective is the meningitis vaccine?

The meningococcal vaccine has been shown to provide protection against the most common strains of the disease, including serogroups A, C, Y and W-135.   As with any vaccine, meningococcal vaccination may not protect 100% of susceptible individuals.  Protection from the vaccine lasts for at least  3 – 5 years.

32. Where can I get the meningitis vaccine?

The vaccine is available at Student Health Services Immunization Department for $75.00.  To make an appointment please contact 239-590-1254.  

The Lee County Health Department also has this available, for more informatio please call the LCHD M-F at 239-332-9601.   

The following immunizations are given at Student Health Services:

  • MMR - $60.00 each dose
  • Rubella/Rubeola Titer- (blood test) $30.00
  • Gardasil - $125.00 per vaccine
  • Hepatitis A - $75.00 each dose
  • Hepatitis B - $50.00 each dose
  • Tuberculosis Screening (TB, PPD) $6.00
  • Varicella Titer (blood test) - $12.00 
  • Flu shot - $5.00
  • Meningitis Vaccine - $85.00
  • TDAP - $35.00 Tetanus, Diphtheria & Acellular Pertussis(According to CDC guidelines as an adult, you should have one "pertussis"  tetanus booster, TDAP)
  • Tetanus- $20.00 Tetanus, Diphtheria (All adults should receive a booster dose of TD every 10 years)