Before You Arrive, Complete the Following

Health History Form

All Northwest students are required to complete a Health History Form, which includes a Tuberculosis Screening Questionnaire that is required by Missouri State Law.  A health history form was included in your acceptance materials.  Or, you can download the form here:

• Health History Form  (for domestic students) (dynamic form is the preferred submission method) 
  • Health History Form  
• International Student Health History Form 

Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) Vaccine Requirement

All students, except online-only students, must comply with the MMR vaccine requirement. Compliance can be met by completing one of the following:

1. Submit immunization records that show two doses of the MMR vaccine.  The first dose must have been given at age 12 months or later.  The second dose must have been at least one month after the first dose.    
      
2. Submit results of a titer, which is a blood test proving immunity to Measles (Rubeola), Mumps and Rubella.                                                                            
3. Request exemption from the MMR requirement based on Medical or Religious purposes.  To request an exemption, you must fully complete the process outlined in this document:  MMR Compliance Form, Request for Exemption

If you will be receiving the vaccine at Wellness Services, complete the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Vaccine Consent Form (MMR) .

If you fail to comply with the MMR Vaccine Requirement, a hold will be placed on your account which will prevent registration for classes in future semesters.  This hold will be removed once compliance is met.

Meningococcal Vaccine Requirement

MISSOURI STATE LAW requires all students residing in on-campus housing, or Greek Life chapter houses, to receive the Meningococcal Vaccine. Per CDC Guidelines and University Policy, this vaccine (or a booster dose) must be received after the age of 16 to be considered compliant.

Options for meeting the requirement are:

1. Submit documentation proving you've received the Meningococcal Vaccine, after the age of 16, to Wellness Services;
   • This MUST be provided to Wellness Services PRIOR to moving into your on-campus housing. Please see the Health History form for deadline information;
2. Schedule an appointment with Wellness Services to receive the vaccine;
   • Again, this MUST be done PRIOR to moving into your on-campus housing;
   • If receiving the vaccine with Wellness Services, complete the Meningococcal Vaccine Consent Form ;
3. If requesting an exemption based on Medical or Religious purposes, you must complete the Meningococcal Policy Compliance Form .

YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO LIVE ON CAMPUS UNTIL YOU HAVE COMPLETED THIS REQUIREMENT!

 

Tuberculosis (TB) Testing

All first-time foreign-born students and students who have lived outside the U.S. for 3 or more weeks in countries in which tuberculosis is endemic must provide documentation of a Tuberculosis (Mantoux) Skin Test administered in the United States within the past year.  The University Wellness Services can provide Tuberculosis Skin Tests to students. 

Prior Bacille Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccination does not change the requirement.  A chest x-ray will be required for anyone with a positive skin test.

If completing TB testing at Wellness Services complete the TB Symptom Review Form .

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Immunization and Disease Information

Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)

Common childhood illnesses that, if experienced as an adult or during pregnancy, may have serious consequences.  Mumps has been on the rise in the last few years especially affecting the college campus environment.  Mumps is an acute viral disease characterized by fever, swelling and tenderness of one or more of the salivary glands.  The complications of mumps can entail swelling of the testicles in males as well as central nervous system disorders including encephalitis, meningitis, arthritis, kidney involvement, inflammation of the thyroid gland, and deafness.

Tuberculosis (TB)

Tuberculosis is a bacterial disease that may be spread through the air from one person to another. This disease continues to be a problem in some foreign countries and the United States.

Tetanus-Diphtheria

Tetanus (lockjaw) and diphtheria are serious diseases.  Tetanus is caused by a germ that enters the body through a cut or wound.  Diphtheria spreads when these germs spread from an infected person to the nose and throats of others.  Boosters are recommended every 10 years and may be indicated more frequently for certain injuries.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral infection resulting in inflammation of the liver that may lead to the risk of later developing cancer of the liver and other complications. It is generally transmitted by contact with any body fluids from an infected person. A three-shot series is available, which should offer 10 years or more of immunity.

Meningococcal Meningitis

Meningitis is a contagious, potentially fatal infection of the membranes that surround the brain and the spinal cord. If not treated in time, it can lead to permanent complications. A single vaccination, which is highly recommended for freshmen, will offer approximately three to four years of protection against all but one of the bacterial serotypes that may cause this disease. The immunization is recommended by the Center for Disease Control and the American College Health Association.

Influenza

Influenza (AKA "the flu") is a viral illness that may range from mild symptoms to high fevers, body aches and fatigue. Flu shots are recommended for all students and are available at Wellness Services and at Flu Shot Clinics around held around campus each Fall semester.