Immunization Requirements
Louisiana Law and Medical Recommendations
Louisiana law (R.S. 17:170 - Schools of Higher Learning) requires proof of dates of immunization against measles, mumps, rubella, and tetanus-diphtheria for all first-time students born on or after January 1, 1957, and for reentering students (born on or after January 1, 1957) who have been out of school for one semester or longer. The requirements were established for the purpose of meeting the established recommendations for control of vaccine-preventable diseases, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to the United States Public Health Service (ACIP), and the American College Health Association (ACHA). Louisiana law subsequently mandated meningococcal meningitis vaccination for persons admitted to a postsecondary education institution starting in the Fall 2006 semester and thereafter. This was satisfied by giving the meningococcal ACWY vaccine. Since 2006 a meningococcal B vaccine has been developed, which covers a strain not covered by the ACWY vaccine. Though not currently mandated, the meningococcal B vaccine is strongly encouraged.
The Office of Health Information collects the immunization records for all incoming students. The State of Louisiana requires all incoming students to have the following vaccinations prior to beginning coursework:
- 2 doses of MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
- 1 dose of TDAP (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) administered within the past 10 years
- 1 dose of Meningococcal (meningitis) administered on or after your 16th birthday
See the Louisiana Department of Health's Immunization Schedule for additional information on required and/or recommended vaccines.
If you have questions or concerns regarding the above information, please contact:
Erica Johnson
health@centenary.edu
ejohnson@centenary.edu
COVID-19 Vaccine Update
As the CDC prepares to end the Covid-19 public health emergency, Centenary is strongly recommending the vaccine to students, however, it will no longer be included in the list of required vaccinations.
Questions related to the COVID-19 vaccine update should be directed to covid@centenary.edu.
Obtaining Immunization Records
Many states have immunization databases that can be accessed to obtain immunization records. You must have received immunizations in that particular state or it will not be in their database. See below for regional links:
Louisiana: MyIR Mobile
Texas: ImmTrac2
Arkansas: you can request your records here.
Oklahoma: OSIIS
Mississippi: MyIR Mobile