Immunization Policy
Vaccine-preventable diseases are a threat to the public health of the campus community. Outbreaks bear significant cost to infected individuals as well as the university.
The University of Idaho Immunization Policy provides protection against vaccine-preventable diseases by recommending students be vaccinated against and/or screened for certain highly contagious diseases. U of I recommends students be immunized prior to or while attending college on campus. These recommendations are consistent with State of Idaho immunizations requirements for measles, mumps and rubella and Hepatitis B, which are required for all K-12 students attending public school in Idaho. The recommendations are also consistent with American College Health Association (ACHA) and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
STRONGLY Recommended Immunizations
- COVID-19 (View ongoing ACIP vaccine recommendations as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves)
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
- Hepatitis B
- Meningococcal Disease (Meningitis)
Recommended Immunizations
- Annual influenza
- Tetanus-diphtheria
- TB mantoux (PPD)
- Varicella (Chicken Pox)
- HPV
- Polio
Vaccination Information for Idaho Post-Secondary Institutions and Students
Additionally, the Idaho State Board of Education requires that post-secondary institutions in Idaho provide current information on vaccine-preventable disease to each student at the time of admission or enrollment for classes. View the items below for information about vaccine preventable diseases, vaccination recommendations, benefits and risks of specific vaccinations, and where to access vaccinations.
Fast Facts
Vaccines are available for these 18 dangerous or deadly diseases. Over the years, these vaccines have prevented countless cases of disease and saved millions of lives.
Visit the CDC's website to learn signs and symptoms of different diseases and the vaccinations recommended to prevent them.
Infectious diseases are more likely to spread whenever large groups of people gather together. Students living in residence halls or Greek houses should view information provided by the CDC about reducing risk in community settings and meningococcal vaccinations.
In addition to the vaccines recommended by the University of Idaho highlighted above, the CDC recommends the following vaccines for various age groups and special populations.
Vaccine recommendations for students under the age of 18: English Version | Spanish Version
Vaccine recommendations for students 19 years of age and older: English Version | Spanish Version
Students can obtain vaccinations through their primary care provider. Students are encouraged to check with their insurance program to find preferred providers in the area.
Additionally, the Idaho Immunization Program provides information on where to get immunized.
The University of Idaho provides seasonal influenza vaccines to U of I students throughout the academic year. View schedule online >>
In the U.S., vaccines have greatly reduced or eliminated many infectious diseases that once routinely killed or harmed infants, children, and adults. However, the viruses and bacteria that cause these diseases still exist and you can still get these diseases if you aren’t vaccinated. Additional benefits of vaccinations can be found online.
Benefits and risks of all vaccinations, and specific information for those at higher risk of the disease can be found on each vaccination's "Vaccine Information Statement" (VIS) from the CDC. The complete listing of VISs can be found online. The VISs are updated as needed, and the most updated copy can be found on the CDC website.
For questions about your risk, vaccination risk and benefit, contact your primary care provider.