Student Health Policies

Immunizations

Immunizations offer safe and effective protection from vaccine-preventable diseases and outbreaks. The United States is experiencing re-emergence of these diseases, in part due to factors such as un-immunized or under-immunized persons and global travel. The American College Health Association supports the use of vaccines to reduce outbreaks and protect the health of students and campus communities.

The following immunizations are highly recommended for students attending Hawkeye Community College; however, they are not required for enrollment.

Health Science students may have some immunizations required by clinical rotation sites.

  • COVID-19: All college students are recommended to get the coronavirus vaccine for the prevention of this respiratory virus.

  • Influenza: All college students are recommended to get the flu vaccine annually.

  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): All college students born after 1956 without a history of disease are recommended to have two doses of MMR vaccine.

  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis (whooping cough) (Tdap): All college students are recommended to have 1 dose of Tdap within the last 10 years.

  • Varicella: All college students without a history of chickenpox disease are recommended to have 2 doses of varicella vaccine.

  • Hepatitis B: All college students are recommended to have the Hepatitis B series.

See the CDC, Vaccines and Immunizations for additional information on recommended immunizations.

Persons attending colleges or universities in Iowa from countries with high TB incidence rates should receive baseline TB screening upon entry into the college or university.

Baseline TB screening consists of two components: (1) assessing for current signs and symptoms of tuberculosis (TB) disease and (2) testing to screen for infection with M. tuberculosis.

If assistance is needed with the TB Screening process, enrolled students can reach out to the campus Student Health Clinic for an appointment.

Communicable and Infectious Disease Policy

Hawkeye Community College recognizes its obligation and reaffirms its long-standing commitment to provide a safe and healthful environment for all faculty, staff, and students. This includes recognizing and addressing communicable and infectious disease as necessary in the campus environment.

For purposes of this policy, the term “communicable disease” means an infectious or contagious disease spread from person to person, or animal to person, or as defined by law. Prevention and control of communicable diseases is included in the College’s bloodborne pathogens exposure control plan.

Students with Communicable or Infectious Diseases

Students with a communicable disease will be allowed to attend classes, reside in campus housing facilities, and participate in other college-related activities, provided their presence does not create a substantial risk of illness or transmission of the disease to others. However, students who have tested positive for COVID-19 or who have experienced a recent direct exposure to COVID-19 will be asked to not attend class in person for a period of time to be determined with Student Health Clinic staff.

Confidentiality

Hawkeye Community College will respect students’ right to privacy. Medical conditions will only be disclosed or discussed amongst College officials with a legitimate interest, and to the extent necessary to minimize health risks, provide accommodations, or comply with state or federal law reporting requirements.

Accident and Health Insurance

There is an entire menu of health insurance options available through the Affordable Care Act. These options are not affiliated with Hawkeye Community College and are available to citizens that meet certain income guidelines or do not currently hold a health insurance policy. For questions, or to sign up, go to www.healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596.

International students are required to have accident and health insurance as a condition of their admission. You can contact the international student services coordinator for more information.

Contacts

Student Services

Main Campus
Hawkeye Center 208
319-296-4014
Email Student Services

Dean of Students

Norman Coley
Main Campus
Hawkeye Center 208
319-296-4448
Email Norman Coley