University of Southern Maine

Required Immunizations for USM

Students

What is Tetanus/Diphtheria? (Td)

Tetanus and diphtheria are serious diseases. Tetanus is caused by a bacteria that enters the body through a cut or a wound. Diphtheria spreads when germs pass from an infected person to the nose or throat of others.

Tetanus causes serious, painful spasms of all muscles. It can lead to locking of the jaw so the individual cannot open or close his or her mouth or swallow. Death can occur as a result of tetanus infection.

Diphtheria causes a thick coating in the nose, throat, and airway. It can lead to breathing problems, heart failure, paralysis, or even death.

Benefits of Vaccination

Vaccination is the best way to protect against tetanus & diphtheria. With vaccination there are far fewer cases of tetanus & diphtheria than there would be if treated with antibiotic prophylaxis.

Risks of Vaccination

Mild reactions to the Td vaccine can occur in hours to 2 days after vaccination administration and usually last 1-2 days and include soreness, redness, & swelling at the injection site. These problems can become worse if the vaccine is given more frequently than recommended. Tylenol can be used to reduce soreness. Severe reactions are rare but can occur in hours to 2 days after injection and include serious allergic reaction, deep aching pain and muscle wasting in upper arms (begins 2 days to 4 weeks after injection).

 Measles/Mumps/Rubella

Measles virus causes rash, cough, runny nose, eye irritation, & fever. It can lead to ear infection, pneumonia, seizures, brain damage and possibly death.

Mumps virus can cause fever, headache, and swollen glands. It can lead to deafness, meningitis, painful swelling of the testicles & ovaries, & rarely death.

Rubella virus can cause a rash, mild fever, and arthritis. If a woman gets rubella while she is pregnant, she could have a miscarriage or her baby could be born with serious birth defects.

Should I get the MMR vaccination?

You should not get the vaccination if:

• Life-threatening allergic reaction to gelatin, neomycin, or previous dose of MMR

• If you are moderately ill at the time the shot is to be give.

• If you are pregnant, you should not get pregnant for 3 months after receiving the injection

You should check with your health care provider if you:

• Have HIV/AIDS, or another disease that affects your immune system

• Are being treated with medications that affect the immune system such as steroids, for 2 weeks or longer

• Have any type of cancer

• Are having radiation therapy

• Ever had a low platelet count

• Have had a recent transfusion or have been given other blood products

Risks of MMR vaccine

Mild Reactions - occur 7-12 days after the shot

• Fever

• Mild rash

• Swelling of glands in cheeks or neck

Moderate Reactions

• Seizure

• Temporary pain or stiffness in joints

• Temporary low platelet count

Severe Reactions

• Serious allergic reaction