Immunization Requirements

Dakota Wesleyan University requires all graduate and undergraduate students who were born after 1956, and who are taking six or more credit hours on the Mitchell, Huron and Sioux Falls sites, to present written confirmation from their family physician that the student has one of the following:

1. documentation of two doses of MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine or one dose of MMR plus a second dose of measles vaccine, separated by a minimum of 30 days; or
2. medical documentation of having had measles, mumps and rubella, or the presence of immune antibody titers; or
3. written notice from the student's health care provider that he/she should not receive an MMR immunization at this time.

Students born after 1956 who are unable to comply with one of the above must be re-immunized.

Dakota Wesleyan University also requires each student to have a documented TB (Tuberculosis) Skin test done within the past year. If the student has had a positive TB skin test in the past, a copy of the most recent chest x-ray must be submitted with the physical.

Dakota Wesleyan University, in compliance with the American College Health Association and the South Dakota Department of Health, recommends that incoming students have the following vaccines:

1. The series of three Hepatitis B vaccines. Mandatory for athletic trainers and nursing students.
2. A Meningococcal Meningitis vaccine (for serogroups C, A, Y, and W-135).
3. A Varicella (chickenpox) vaccination series if a student does not have a reliable history of proof of chickenpox.
4. Immunization of Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis (Tdap) booster every 10 years. Diphtheriae and poliomyelitis should also be up to date.

These diseases are preventable. Ask your health care provider about receiving these vaccines.

LPN-BS Students: Complete Form A, Student Health Form, and Form B, Physical Evaluation
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Nursing Program Students: Complete Form B, Physical Evaluation
Form A: Student Health Form LINK FORM
Form B: Physical Evaluation LINK FORM

Nursing students are required to complete the two-step procedure unless documentation of the results of a TB test completed during the previous 12 months is provided. If this documentation is provided, a one-step TB skin test will be sufficient. Example: If a TB skin test was completed in June of last year, a TB skin test must be completed by June 30 of this year. If the TB is done after June 30, a two-step test must be completed.

Provide a copy of immunization records or lab reports to document ONE of the following:

• Two MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccines; OR
• If there is only one documented MMR, the student needs to have a 2nd MMR vaccination; OR
• Documentation of titers (blood tests) indicating immunity to all three infections; OR
• Medical documentation of an allergic reaction that would prevent MMR vaccination

Provide documentation showing a Tdap injection if it has been two (2) or more years since a tetanus booster was given. 

ONE of the following is required:

• History of the disease can be noted in Section II Medical History on the Student Physical Form; OR
• Documentation of a Varicella titer (blood test) showing immunity; OR
• Documentation of two administered doses of Varicella vaccine

Student must have at least 1 dose before student can attend clinical.
3 dose series and positive titer required; provide documentation of each dose and titer results
If the student did not complete a titer after 3 doses OR titer was negative after 3 doses:

• See healthcare provider for booster dose and complete titer 4-6 weeks after booster dose. If titer is positive, student has met requirement.
• If titer is negative after booster dose, student is to complete another 2 doses and re-titer 4-6 weeks after last dose is received. Student will have met requirement after remainder of doses and re-titering.

Due to requirements at healthcare facilities, ONE of the following is required by November 1:

• Written documentation of annual flu vaccination.
• Written documentation from a healthcare provider indicating flu vaccination cannot be administered.
• A student without documented annual flu vaccination is required to wear a mask during clinical rotations.

Copy of the front and back of a major medical insurance card is required by DWU.
Students who do not have private insurance coverage will be required to purchase insurance. Consultation with an insurance agent prior to July 1st is necessary to ensure enrollment and coverage before the start of classes.

CPR certification must be current throughout the nursing program. A copy of the student’s CPR card showing completion of the American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers CPR course is required. Any exceptions need to be approved by the administrative chair of the Arlene Gates Department of Nursing.

LPN-BS Nursing Program students are required to provide a copy of current South Dakota LPN license.