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Vaccination Policy

Vaccination

Meningitis immunization

Iowa State Public Health Law requires that all Iowa college and university freshman, who are 18 years and younger and living in campus housing, are recommended to obtain immunization against meningococcal disease. Maharishi International University is required to maintain a record of the following for each student:

  • A signed confirmation of receipt of the information sheet on meningococcal disease and vaccine and that it has been read or explained.
  • A record of meningococcal meningitis immunization within the past 10 years; or
  • An acknowledgement of meningococcal disease risks and refusal of the immunization signed by the student or parent/guardian.

Tuberculosis Blood Test

It is current University policy that all incoming international students are administered a simple blood test for tuberculosis. In the United States, tuberculosis (TB) screening is required by most universities to protect the health of the students and community.

This blood lab test will be administered by the laboratory at Jefferson County Hospital in Fairfield within the first month you are on campus. The cost of the blood test is approximately $85, but is subject to change. NOTE: You need this TB blood test even if you have had the BCG (TB) vaccination and/or a TB skin test. Also, this new blood test will not be affected if you have had a BCG vaccination or the TB skin test.

Based upon the result of your blood test, a doctor’s visit and a chest x-ray may be required. The cost of a doctor’s visit and a chest x-ray will be approximately $150-200. This fee is also subject to change. Your University health insurance will not cover the cost of a doctor’s visit and this x-ray; therefore, you must add this amount to your expense budget.

If medical treatment is required for TB, the cost of the medicine will be covered by the Public Health Department of the State of Iowa. This means there will be no cost to you for medicine but there may be a cost for additional treatment.

If you have had treatment for tuberculosis or any previous treatment for exposure to it, you must bring with you:

  • A copy of your treatment report, written in English

If you have had treatment in the United States, you need to bring with you:

  • Your chest x-ray and
  • Treatment report, written in English

If you have any questions about the TB blood test requirement, please contact the campus nurse.