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Oregon College Immunization Law
Here's what you need to know about the college immunization law
When you enroll in college in Oregon, you need to show that you've been vaccinated against measles. The Oregon college immunization law applies to any full-time student attending a 4-year college who was born on or after January 1, 1957. For students attending community colleges, the law only applies to students in programs of allied health, early childhood education and intercollegiate sports. In addition, colleges can require that you have additional vaccinations. Check with your college about any additional requirements.
But adults don't get these diseases - do they?
At one time, getting mumps or measles was a normal part of growing up. Then, during the 1960's, effective vaccines became available and we all but eliminated these "childhood" diseases. Most people receive the vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) in one shot. But today, while the incidence of disease has dropped dramatically in young children, there are still occasional outbreaks of these diseases and they more often than not affect young adults. It's important, too, for adults of all ages to get "boosted" for tetanus and diphtheria every 10 years throughout their lifetime. 
But these diseases aren't very serious - are they?
Measles is the most serious of these. It can cause life-threatening pneumonia and brain inflammation, middle-ear infections, severe diarrhea, and sometimes convulsions. The risk of death from measles is known to be higher in adults than for children. Rubella is usually a milder disease in children. But it can be very serious if a grown woman gets rubella during the first three months of pregnancy. The disease can cause serious birth defects including glaucoma, cataracts, deafness, and mental retardation.
Mumps can cause hearing loss. And, about one out of four teenage or adult men who have mumps may experience swelling of the testicles. In rare cases, sterility can result.
So, what do I have to do if I need immunizations?
 Under Oregon law, you have to submit proof of two doses of measles vaccine or meet one of the legal exemptions (see below). Adequate proof is written documentation of the month and year of each dose of measles (the first dose must have been on or after your first birthday and thirty days must have passed between the first and second dose).
If you don't have documentation of the month and year for the first dose, but you have the documentation for the second dose (in or after December 1989), this is also adequate documentation.
Make sure you provide your college with adequate documentation.
Are there any legal exemptions?
Yes. You don't have to get a measles shot if you've already had the disease. Your doctor can sign an exemption for history of disease or if you have another medical reason not to be vaccinated (like you've had a lab test showing you're immune or you're pregnant). You may also have religious objections to being immunized. If so, you can sign a statement acknowledging such objections. You should be informed about the risks of not being vaccinated and that you will not be allowed to attend classes in the event of a disease occurrence on campus.
What if I can't find my shot record?
 A dose of measles vaccine, given in the U.S. as part of the MMR combination vaccine, that was received after December 1989 meets the second dose of measles requirement. Td needs to be boostered every ten years, so if you don't remember when you last had your Td or measles shot, it is wise to get one now.
Be sure you obtain a record of these vaccines. You will need the information again during your lifetime.
Are the shots safe?
The vaccines are very safe, and highly effective. There can be side effects, but they are usually brief and not very serious-a slight fever, a sore arm, a mild feeling of illness. More severe side effects do occur, in rare cases. But that risk has to be compared with the risk you will face if you don't get immunized. Without shots, your chances of becoming ill -and suffering serious complications- are much higher.
Where can I get the shots?
Your own health care provider can provide what you need. Your college may also offer the shots, through the health service or a special immunization clinic. If you don't have a health care provider -or you don't have health insurance- you may be able to get the shots through your county health department.
Are there other diseases that adults need shots for that are not part of the law?
Yes. For example, many adults may need shots for some of the diseases listed below. If you will be traveling internationally, it's likely you'll need even more shots. Be sure to check with your doctor to see what additional shots you might need.
Hepatitis A and B - both are contagious diseases that infect the liver.
Tetanus -or "lockjaw"- can lead to fatal complications. Even small burns or scratches can be a source of infection, and deep puncture wounds are especially dangerous. A booster for diphtheria and tetanus are needed every 10 years to maintain protection.
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial disease that affects the tonsils, throat, nose, and/or skin. It can lead to breathing problems, heart failure, paralysis, and sometimes death.
Meningococcal causes meningitis, an infection that can lead to dangerous swelling of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can lead to many serious permanent disabilities and can even lead to death. Ask your health care provider for more information about the disease and risks.
Varicella (Chickenpox) is an infectious viral disease which is characterized by rash, itching, tiredness and fever. If a student has not had chickenpox, varicella vaccine should be received. Immuno-compromised persons, adults and adolescents have a higher rate of complications from varicella than do younger children between the ages of ten and fifteen years.
Do I need to be screened for Tuberculosis(TB)?
TB germs attack the lungs and other parts of the body. It is a contagious and sometimes deadly disease. Although this is not an immunization, TB screening is often done along with immunizations. Your college may ask you to have a skin test done to see if you have the disease or have been exposed to the disease. In two to three days, a health care provider will need to see if there is a reaction to the test. If positive, you may need to have an x-ray and possibly have to take medication to keep from getting sick.
If you need this information in an alternate format, please contact Oregon Health Services at (971)673-0300. Developed by the Oregon Department of Human Services, Oregon Health Services, and the Oregon College Health Association
June, 2000
Portions of text adapted from materials of the Wisconsin Department of Health and Social Services and the Minnesota Department of Health.
Illustrations courtesy of the North Carolina Immunization Program and the Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta.
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