Recommended Immunizations

Although the following vaccines are not required for admissions (or continuation) at Virginia Tech, Schiffert Health Center highly recommends that all students be vaccinated against:

Influenza (Flu)

Schiffert Health Center encourages all students to be immunized against influenza during our campus-wide immunization clinic held each fall. Students with underlying heart or lung disorders, including asthma, and students who require ongoing medical care for other chronic diseases such as diabetes, are at high risk for more serious complications from influenza infection. High-risk students who are unable to receive the influenza vaccine during the immunization clinic should make an appointment at the Schiffert Health Center to receive influenza immunization.

Hepatitis A

Recommended for travel to areas with poor sanitation, persons who have anal intercourse, illegal-drug users, persons who have occupational risk (work with primates or raw sewage), persons with chronic liver disease, or persons with clotting factor disorders.

Chickenpox (Varicella)

This vaccine is recommended for persons of any age who have not previously contracted chickenpox.

Rabies

Human rabies infection is rare in industrialized nations such as the United States, but is more common in developing countries. Animal rabies, on the other hand, does occur in Virginia, resulting in risk to humans who come in contact with infected animals. Routine, pre-exposure immunization is recommended only for high-risk individuals such as veterinarians and cavers, however it is important to be cautious. Avoid contact with wild, stray, or unfamiliar animals. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, wash the wound with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately. Rabies can be prevented by vaccination after exposure, but it is always fatal once symptoms appear. A health professional should evaluate each possible exposure to rabies.

For questions about vaccinations, please email btina68@vt.edu. Questions about immunization compliance for new students should be directed to Health@vt.edu.

Read more adult/adolescent immunization information available from the Centers for Disease Control.