Rockhurst University | Learning, Leadership and Service in the Jesuit Tradition

Rockhurst University requires all residential students to provide proof of the following vaccinations thru our Submission Process.

Measles, Mumps, & Rubella (MMR) Documentation of two measles, mumps, and rubella vaccinations is required for all residential students.

Meningococcal Meningitis Disease and Immunization

Rockhurst University requires students who will reside on campus to provide proof of a meningitis vaccination or sign a waiver that you understand the risk involved in not receiving this vaccine.

Rockhurst University encourages all other students to consider this vaccination as well as to become knowledgeable about meningitis and its symptoms in order to reduce their personal risk.

Meningococcal Meningitis Disease is a severe bacterial infection of the bloodstream and meninges (a thick lining covering the brain and spinal cord). It is a relatively rare disease and usually occurs as a single isolated event. Clusters of cases or outbreaks are also possible. The meningococcus germ is spread by direct close contact with nose or throat discharges of an infected person. College freshman who live in on-campus housing have a slightly higher risk of getting this infection than others their age.

Vaccinations recommended by the American College Health Association

Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccine Booster: A single booster dose is now recommended for those at 16 years of age who received the initial series of 3 doses at age 11-12 (Menactra or Menimune). If the initial 3 doses were given at 13-15 years, the booster dose should be given at 16-18 years of age. If the initial shots were given at 16 years or older, no booster is generally needed.

While 2 doses is recommended for most, all Rockhurst University residential students must have at least 1 meningococcal vaccination (or sign a waiver).

Tdap Vaccine Booster: A single dose of Tdap booster (tetanus = Td and pertussis+ap) should be given after age 11, but only this one time after age 11. This is given primarily to prevent pertussis (whooping cough) which is getting more frequent and occurs in adults as their childhood pertussis vaccine-induced immunity weakens. Tdap can be administered regardless of interval since the last tetanus vaccine. Adults should then receive Tetanus (Td) boosters (not Tdap) every 10 years.

Quadrivalent and Bivalent HPV Vaccine: All non-pregnant females 11-26 years old should receive 3 doses of either bivalent or quadrivalent HPV vaccine (Gardasil) for HPV. The bivalent vaccine is indicated for prevention of cervical cancers and precancers but not for external genital warts. Males 9-26 years old can also receive quadrivalent HPV vaccine. The quadrivalent vaccine is indicated for prevention of genital warts, anal cancer and precancers. It also helps prevent cervical/precancer in females by lowering the risk of infection from males.

Influenza Vaccine: Influenza vaccine is now recommended annually for all individuals over the age of 6 months and is especially helpful to prevent flu transmission in crowded environments, eg. students. These vaccinations are not required but will be offered on campus to Rockhurst University students, faculty and staff annually.

Important Phone Numbers

Emergency: 911 if off campus or 4911 on campus
Goppert Trinity Family Care Center: (816) 435-0884, pager, or (816) 276-7600 after hours
Residence Life Office: (816) 501-4663
Dean of Students Office: (816) 501-4127
Rockhurst University Security: (816) 501-4010
Human Resources: (816) 501-4555