A new vaccine requirement has been put in effect for Tech students by the Tennessee Board of Regents.
Effective July 1, 2011, all new full-time Tech students— both freshman and transfer students— are required to receive the Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine prior to beginning classes.
Students were given a seven-day grace period from the day they registered for classes to obtain medical records or receive the vaccine, according to Health Services Assistant Director Cynthia Tompkins, R.N.
Students who have not been vaccinated can receive the injection by scheduling an appointment at Student Health Services located on the left side of the Hester-Whitson Nursing Building.
“Students needing to be vaccinated for chickenpox must make an appointment to receive the injection,” Tompkins said.
Students born before Jan. 1, 1980; have proof of receiving two doses of the Varicella vaccine before their first birthday; tested positive for Varicella; or have a history of chickenpox illness verified by a physician are exempt from receiving this vaccination.
Students can also be exempt for religious reasons after completing a religious exemption form available through Health Services.
For more information or to receive the vaccine, contact Health Services at (931) 372-3320.
