Immunizations

For complete immunization compliance information and a verification form, please go to the University Health Services Immunization Compliance page.

Various immunizations are available through the Health and Wellness Center, including immunizations *required by the University. Students are encouraged to take advantage of these immunizations. Appointments are required; to schedule an appointment, call 814-898-6217 or use the online appointment system.

There is a fee for the immunizations. For your convenience, we accept insurance from most major health plans. Please see our billing and payment page for more information regarding accepted insurance plans. We advise you to contact your insurance provider in advance to find out if they cover the cost of immunizations. You can also pay by cash, check, LionCash+, or charge it to your student account.

Immunizations offer safe and effective protection from vaccine-preventable diseases. Unfortunately, the United States is experiencing the re-emergence of these diseases, partly due to factors such as unimmunized and under-immunized persons and global travel. The Penn State Behrend Health and Wellness Center of The Pennsylvania State University strongly supports the use of vaccines to protect the health of our individual students and our campus community.

FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR CAMPUS COMMUNITY, STUDENTS WHO DO NOT PROVIDE APPROPRIATE EVIDENCE OF IMMUNITY MAY BE REMOVED FROM CAMPUS DURING A COMMUNICABLE DISEASE OUTBREAK.

The Pennsylvania State University requires all incoming degree-seeking students and all students living in Penn State housing to comply with these requirements.

*Required Immunizations for Incoming Degree-Seeking Students

  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): To satisfy the requirement, you must have two doses of Measles (Rubeola) vaccine, two doses of Mumps vaccine, and one dose of Rubella vaccine OR two doses of the MMR vaccine OR provide blood test results showing immunity. The first dose must have been given on or after your first birthday. Dose two must have been given at least four weeks after dose one.
  • Meningococcal (required if living in University Housing): Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY), also known as Menveo, Menactra. This vaccine is effective against the most common meningococcal infections caused by serogroups A, C, W, and Y. One dose of meningococcal vaccine administered at age 16 or older is required of all incoming students living in campus housing who are age 21 or younger. Incoming students living in University Housing aged 22 or older may submit either proof of vaccination or a Meningococcal Vaccine Waiver.

Strongly Recommended Immunizations

  • COVID-19 Vaccine: There are currently three vaccines available in the United States; the Pfizer and the Moderna vaccines require a 2-dose regimen, while the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is a single-dose regimen. These are available for free at designated vaccination sites.
  • Flu (Influenza) Vaccine: Flu shots are available to Penn State Behrend students each fall as long as the vaccine supply lasts. Flu shots are available to students by appointment and during the drop-in flu clinic dates. Learn more about the flu!
  • Meningococcal Vaccine (MenB): Also known as Bexsero or Trumenba. These vaccines are effective against most of the more common meningococcal infections caused by serogroup B. These vaccines are given in a series of two injections and are not interchangeable. (Note: This vaccine alone does not satisfy the Meningococcal Housing Requirement.)
  • Varicella (Chicken Pox): Two doses of varicella (chicken pox) vaccine are needed for immunity (the doses must be administered at least twenty-eight days apart) OR a blood test confirming immunity if you have had the chicken pox disease.
  • Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap): One dose of Tdap (tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis, NOT to be confused with DTap or Td) vaccine is needed for immunity. Td vaccine booster is also needed if it has been more than ten years since the Tdap was administered.
  • Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is transmitted through body fluids, including blood. Three doses of the Hepatitis B vaccine are needed for immunity. Doses one and two must be administered at least four weeks apart. Dose three should be at least six months after the first dose and eight weeks after dose two. A blood test may be used to confirm immunity.
  • Hepatitis A: Two dose Series: Hep A vaccine is a two-dose series given six to eighteen months apart. In some cases, Hep A and Hep B are given as a combined vaccine, which would necessitate that three doses are needed for immunity. 
  • Human Papilloma Virus (HPV): Three Dose Series: Three different vaccines have been used in the U.S.—Cervarix (bivalent HPV vaccine), Gardasil (Quadrivalent HPV vaccine), Gardasil-9 (9-valent HPV vaccine). All three are given in a three-dose series and are needed for immunity.
  • Pneumococcal Vaccine: Available as a 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PVC13) or a 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. It is recommended for students with certain medical risk factors or a high risk of pneumococcal disease.

International Students

In addition to the above immunizations, a tuberculosis (TB) skin test or blood test is highly recommended for foreign-born students at high risk for TB.

Immunizations for Traveling Abroad

We also offer immunizations for students, faculty, and staff traveling abroad. Contact the Health and Wellness Center for more information.

Additional Vaccine Resources: