Allergy / Immunization Clinic


 

Allergy injections are administered on a walk-in basis on:

Normal Hours:

 Monday 8:00 - 11:00 A.M. and 1:00 - 4:00 P.M
 Thursday 9:00 - 11:00 A.M. and 1:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.

New students should call and make an appointment for their first injection at Schiffert Health Center (SHC).  For information or appointment call 540-231-7621.

Please note that the hours of clinic operation are subject to change over breaks and summers.

Allergy Injections:

Allergy injections are given only after you have seen an allergist.  NO ALLERGY TESTING IS DONE AT SHC.  You must bring your own allergy medicine (clearly labeled) with complete instructions.

 Our refrigerator is available for storage of your antigen (Please bring it when your first injection is due at SHC).  Periodically we go through the refrigerator and discard old and out-dated antigens.

Students are responsible for ordering, receiving, and knowing the expiration date of allergens.  Allergens will not be used if expired.

A 20 minute (30 min. preferred) waiting period is required after all injections due to possibility of severe reactions, including death.  Strenuous physical exercise should be avoided 1 hour before and 3-4 hours after injections to reduce the risk of reactions.

A fee is charged through Accounts Receivable for allergy injections and vaccines.  Itemized statements are issued on request.

Immunizations

Required immunizations that every Virginia Tech Student must receive before they may register or attend VA TECH classes.

A Special Note to Parents of VT Students

At VT SHC we realize that the time before you bring your child to Virginia Tech is extremely hectic.  Often times, in making plans, seemingly minor things get overlooked.  We encourage you not to overlook the medical entrance requirements.  The State of Virginia and Virginia Tech have established a set of minimum guidelines for immunizations and tests that all VT students must have before they enter Virginia Tech.  These guidelines are designed to protect both your child and the VT student body.  In order to ensure the safety of the student body, and to comply with Virginia State Law, Virginia Tech enforces this policy by blocking critical registration and class attendance privileges for those who are not in compliance.  You can facilitate your child's adjustment to VA Tech by insuring that your child is in compliance with the medical requirements for admission to VT.

Recommended immunizations

Vaccines commonly given at SHC are:  hepatitis A & B, and rabies.

Vaccines are administered by appointment only on:

Tuesday, Wednesday, & Friday
9:00 A.M.  - 11:00 A.M. and 1:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.

A 20 minute (30 min. preferred) waiting period is required after ALL injections due to possibility of severe reactions, including death.  Strenuous physical exercise should be avoided 1 hour before and 3 - 4 hours after injections to reduce the risk of reactions.

 Brief Information on Immunizations

  • HEPATITIS A - an infection of the liver spread by contaminated water or food; ingestion of raw or undercooked fish (oysters, clams, mussels) from contaminated waters; infected food handlers; poor sanitary conditions, travel to under-developed countries; among institutionalized children or adults; and by parental transmission - blood transfusions or sharing needles. The vaccine is inactivated. One intramuscular injection is given to adults with a booster in 6 - 12 months.
  • HEPATITIS B - VACCINE IS RECOMMENDED FOR ALL STUDENTS! Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver, which can lead to death. It is spread by direct blood contact or sexual contact. The vaccine is inactivated and is given intramuscularly in three doses over a period of six - twelve months. No boosters are required.
  • MEASLES\MUMPS\RUBELLA - These are serious diseases that spread from an infected person to the nose or throat of others. The vaccine is a live attenuated virus vaccine and two doses of the MMR are recommended at least a month apart. Two doses of measles (rubeola), one dose of mumps, and one dose of rubella are required by VA. state law. It is given subcutaneously. (not available at SHC -- see below)
  • RABIES - is virtually a fatal disease spread by contamination from an infected source. It is recommended that all persons in high risk occupations receive pre-exposure vaccine and is given intradermally over a period of one month. Post-exposure vaccine should be started as soon as possible. It is an inactivated vaccine.
  • TETANUS\DIPHTHERIA - These are serious diseases. Tetanus is caused by a germ that enters the body through a cut or wound. Diphtheria spreads when germs pass from an infected person to the nose or throat of others. The vaccine is inactivated and is given intramuscularly every ten years. If significant injury occurs vaccine will be given after five years, but never more often than five years.
  • YELLOW FEVER - a viral disease with a high mortality rate that is transmitted by mosquitoes. It occurs only in parts of Africa and South America. Vaccination is required to these areas and some adjoining areas. The vaccine is a live attenuated preparation given subcutaneously in a single dose. A booster is given every ten years. (not available at SHC -- see below)
  • MENINGOCOCCAL INFECTION AND VACCINE - the bacteria which causes meningococcal disease, is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in older children and young adults. The bacteria can be found in the throats of 10% of healthy people at any given time without causing infection. It  is spread from person to person through inhalation of airborne droplets or direct contact with oral secretions. In some individuals the bacteria spreads from the throat and results in life threatening infection.
  • IPV (Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine) - a viral infection, which can cause paralysis or death. If complete series is given during childhood, it is not needed in the United States for adults (unless traveling to high risk areas outside the United States). If traveling to areas where risk of exposure to polio is high, 1 dose of vaccine is recommended as an adult. A complete adult series in the United States is 3 vaccine doses. A completed series is required by Virginia State Law. (not available at SHC -- see below)

 

For immunizations not available at Schiffert Health Center (SHC) or if you are a Virginia Tech student, staff member, or faculty member and need travel vaccines or prescriptions, call for an appointment with:

 

Tuberculin Testing

see Required Immunizations

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