A Vaccination For Spring Registration

Click here to hear the ARN story.

Last night the Engemann Student Health Center sent out an email to USC students saying a restriction was placed on the accounts of those who have not submitted proof of getting an MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccination.

Students with the account restriction would not be allowed to register for spring 2016 courses, which will start later this month.

The health center gave students the options of either sending in documentation of receiving the MMR vaccine, or going into the health center on campus and getting the vaccination.

It was no surprise there was a line at the Engemann Student Health Center at 8:30 this morning when the immunization office opened.

Under USC health services, students can get the MMR vaccination, which consists of two separate shots that are given a month apart from each other, or take a blood test proving they have had a previous MMR vaccination. 

Sandra Joen Pérez-Tejeda, a student at the USC School of Cinematic Arts, says she was fined $20 last semester after receiving this email, and ended up taking a laboratory blood test at the school. 

“After I saw the email I went to the health center and they told me I either need to bring my records or I could take a blood test, so I did the blood test, “ Perez said. “So yes, after that they unblocked me, but that was interesting.”

Graduate student Seth Kourey chose a different option when submitting his vaccinations. 

He submitted his records to USC from his former university rather than search for them or receive a blood test. “I had them already on record and sent them here, and I think that worked,” Kourney said.

University officials said there were an estimate total of 10,000 students required to have their immunization records. This excludes medical students and those who cannot get the shot due to religious purposes. Some Christians believe that sickness is an illusion that can be corrected by prayer alone.

With such a high number of students still missing this documentation, the health center tries to accommodate to all types of situations.

If a USC student is enrolled in six or more units, USC provides student health insurance and vaccination is free of charge, according to the student health center representative, Heidi Ried-Gonzaga. If a student has not signed up for school health insurance, the vaccination is $17.

The Engemann Student Health Center will allow students to walk-in from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and receive their vaccinations so that they can sign up for spring courses.

Check out other locations distributing MMR vaccinations here.