Immunizations and Testing
The Health Center offers immunizations to Cypress College students, faculty and staff. We provide immunizations for Tetanus and Hepatitis B.
The procedure is simple. If you request an immunization, once you sign in you are given an informational flyer about that particular immunization. You are then required to read the flyer, answer a few basic health questions and, if there are no problems or contraindications, the immunization is administered. If you have experienced a severe reaction to an immunization in the past, we will be unable to immunize you at the Health Center. You will then be referred to a physician. The fee scale for immunizations is listed below.
TETANUS: Cost No Charge for students; $18.00 for staff
Most people receiving Tetanus shots come in needing only one injection, the infamous booster shot. Once given, it is good for 10 years.
HEPATITIS B: No Charge for students
The Hepatitis B series consists of 3 injections; the initial injection, a second injection 1 (one) month later and a third injection 6 (six) months later.
FLU SHOTS: Cost No Charge for students; $15.00 for staff
Flu shots are administered in the fall/winter season, usually from October to December. Watch for alerts prior to flu season.
Tuberculosis (TB) Skin Testing
Cost:
No charge to registered students
No charge to all full-time faculty and staff
$10 for all part-time faculty and staff
Reasons for performing a TB Skin Test:
A requirement for entering one of the Health Science Programs
A requirement for employment
A requirement for some classes/internships
What is a TB Skin Test?
The TB Skin Test is administered in order to see if an individual has been exposed to the Tuberculosis (TB) bacteria. TB is spread by tiny “tubercle” germs (bacteria) that can float in the air. The TB bacteria may spray into the air if a person with active TB disease coughs or sneezes. The TB skin test is an important step to make sure that an individual doesn’t get sick with TB disease.
The TB skin test is usually done on your arm. A small needle is used to put some testing material, called tuberculin, under your skin. In 48-72 hours, a nurse at the Health Center will need to check to see if there is a reaction to the test.
The TB Skin Test DOES NOT make you get TB. Also, a positive result DOES NOT necessarily mean that you have the disease. It may only mean that you have been exposed. If a positive result does occur, the individual will be asked to get a chest x-ray in order to make sure that there is no active disease. The TB skin test IS NOT a vaccine that prevents TB, but it does help you find out if you have TB infection.
When can you get a TB Skin Test?
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays 8:00 am – 12 pm & 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm.
Fridays 8:00 am - 12 pm.
You must then return to the Health Center 48-72 hours so that the test can be read (checked). At that time you will receive a copy of your test results.
NOTE: NO TB SKIN TESTS ARE PERFORMED ON THURSDAYS OR ON DAYS WHEN A TB READING WOULD FALL ON A HOLIDAY.
Who should NOT have a TB Skin Test?
Anyone who has had a positive TB Skin Test in the past
Anyone referred for a Chest X-ray after a TB Skin Test
Anyone receiving a Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) or Measles, Rubella (MR) immunization within 1 (one) month of requesting a TB Skin Test
Anyone taking cortisone, prednisone or other steroids
Anyone with Cancer, Leukemia, AIDS or any other disease that may cause problems with the Immune System
Pregnant women (unless written clearance is provided by a physician)