Health Services

Immunizations

The Student Health Center in Newark provides counselling regarding immunizations, administers vaccines and performs blood testing at reasonable cost to students. Appointments are required to reduce waiting times and provide smooth service.

MMR (Measles Mumps and Rubella) vaccine:

Special Notice about the MMR Vaccine:

New Jersey State law and Rutgers University require students to show proof of two vaccines after the age of one year, at least one month apart, or proof of immunity by blood tests, for those born after 1956.

The Newark Health Center assists students by entering data into the computer at Newark to remove holds, by immunizing those students who require additional vaccine(s), or by drawing blood to obtain proof of immunity.

Costs: Combined MMR vaccine: $50 each

Separate/individual vaccines: $30 each

MMR blood test - about $30, or approximately $10 for each titer

Part-time and University College students who do not wish to join the health service plan may be seen for an additional fee of $20.

For further information on MMR vaccine, click onto http://www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/VIS/default.htm or http://health.rutgers.edu/vaccine/vaccine.htm.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

Center for Disease Control & Prevention recommends universal immunization of children in the United States against Hepatitis B.

Costs: $40 per vaccine, given as a three-part series at 0, 1, and 6 months.

For further information on Hepati tis B, click onto http://www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/VIS/default.htm or http://health.rutgers.edu/vaccine/vaccine.htm.

Tuberculosis:

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease which causes an estimated 3 million deaths annually worldwide, and is becoming an increasing global problem due to development of resistant strains. The PPD or Mantoux skin test can give important information regarding prior exposure to tuberculosis, or current active infection. Some students who have had vaccination against tuberculosis at a previous time may also have a positive skin test. At least one PPD screening is recommended, preferably upon entering Rutgers

Cost: $10

For further information, click onto http://www.cdc.gov/nchstp/tb/faqs/qa.htm#infection_1 or http://www.acha.org/info_resources/tb_statement.pdf (pdf file).

Tetanus and Diphtheria Vaccine:

Universal vaccination is recommended for these bacterial infections. Primary vaccination is required in childhood in the US, and adults are recommended to have a routine booster vaccine every ten years, or a booster dose after five years in case of a dirty wound.

Cost: $25

For further information on Td vaccine, click onto http://www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/VIS/default.htm or http://health.rutgers.edu/vaccine/vaccine.htm

Tetanus Diphtheria Acellular Pertussis (Tdap):

This new vaccine is recommended by CDC as a one time booster in adults. It protects against whooping cough as well as tetanus and diptheria. Whooping cough is becoming more prevalent in the US, especially in young adults. .

Cost: $45

For more information, go to http://www.cdc.gov/nip/diseases/pertussis.

Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine:

This live virus vaccine is recommended for all students who have never had varicella infection, since this infection in adults is potentially harmful, and the disease is highly contagious. Immunity to chickenpox can be measured by blood titers. The vaccine is highly effective, and can prevent future herpes zoster (shingles) as well

Cost: $9055. per vaccine, given in two doses 4 - 8 weeks apart.

$11 for blood test to check for immunity

For further information on chickenpox click onto http://www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/VIS/default.htm or http://health.rutgers.edu/vaccine/vaccine.htm

Influenza Vaccine:

Influenza causes epidemics resulting in disease and death in susceptible individuals each winter. The vaccine is recommended for everyone but is especially important for people with chronic diseases of the heart, lungs, kidneys, diabetes, sickle cell disease, pregnant women, AIDS patients, and others. Since this is NOT a live virus vaccine, it cannot cause the flu. Optimal times for injection are October to December.

Cost: $15

For further information, click onto http://www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/VIS/default.htm or http://health.rutgers.edu/vaccine/vaccine.htm

Hepatitis A Vaccine:

This vaccine is recommended for people who live in or travel to areas of high incidence of hepatitis A, eg, underdeveloped countries, institutions. Men who have sex with men are also advised to obtain the vaccine because of higher risk. The vaccine is safe and effective.

Cost: $30 per vaccine, given in two doses 6 months apart

For further information click onto http://www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/VIS/default.htm or http://health.rutgers.edu/vaccine/vaccine.htm

Meningococcal Vaccine:

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and American College Health Association (ACHA) advocate that college students living in dormitories, especially freshmen, be educated regarding meningococcal meningitis and the benefits of vaccination.

Bacterial Meningitis is a very serious and sometimes fatal disease (13% of cases) Some cases of bacterial meningitis can be prevented by meningococcal meningitis vaccine. At increased risk are students, living in dormitories on college campuses, students who frequent bars, drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes, and particularly freshmen. The single dose vaccine is very safe and relatively free of side effects; it is 60% effective and lasts approximately three years.

Cost: $95.

For further information, click onto http://health.rutgers.edu/vaccine/

Travel Immunizations:

Schedule and appointment 6-8 weeks prior to departure, for a consultation regarding recommended medications and vaccines to prevent and treat diseases associated with foreign travel.

The Newark Health Center prescribes medication for prevention of malaria, or treatment of traveller's diarrhea, and immunizes students as needed against typhoid fever, hepatitis A, polio, meningitis or other communicable diseases.

We also counsel regarding general protective measures while travelling.

Costs: Very reasonable fees for medications and vaccines

For further information, click onto http://www.cdc.gov/travel/index.htm and check under "geographic health recommendations" at the site to obtain information relevant to your travel destinations.

Other Vaccines:

Other vaccines such as Polio (cost: $45), Hepatitis A and B combined (Twinrix) (cost: $50), Pneumococcal ($35) or rabies vaccines can be obtained at the Newark Health Center.

Yellow fever vaccine can only be administered at Hurtado Health Center in New Brunswick.Tel: (732) 932-7402 for an appointment.

Please come in and inquire regarding any special needs.