Varicella immunization requirements for US colleges: 2014–2015 academic year. Issue 6 (17th August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Leung, Jessica; Marin, Mona; Leino, Victor; Even, Susan; Bialek, Stephanie R.
• Is Part Of: Journal of American college health. Volume 64:Issue 6(2016)
• Page Start: 490
• Page End: 495
• Publication Date: 2016-08-17
• Subjects: Chickenpox -- college -- immunization -- vaccination -- varicella; College students -- Health and hygiene -- United States -- Periodicals; College students -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; College students -- Mental health -- Periodicals; Universities and colleges -- Health promotion services -- Periodicals; 362.10883781980973
• DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2016.1138481
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0744-8481

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Objective : To obtain information on varicella prematriculation requirements in US colleges for undergraduate students during the 2014–2015 academic year.Participants : Health care professionals and member schools of the American College Health Association (ACHA).Methods : An electronic survey was sent to ACHA members regarding school characteristics and whether schools had policies in place requiring that students show proof of 2 doses of varicella vaccination for school attendance.Results : Only 27% (101/370) of schools had a varicella prematriculation requirement for undergraduate students. Only 68% of schools always enforced this requirement. Private schools, 4-year schools, northeastern schools, those with <5, 000 students, and schools located in a state with a 2-dose varicella vaccine mandate were significantly more likely to have a varicella prematriculation requirement.Conclusions : A small proportion of US colleges have a varicella prematriculation requirement for varicella immunity. College vaccination requirements are an important tool for controlling varicella in these settings.