NIU might penalize students with incomplete immunization records by barring their spring semester registration.

In accordance with a state law that took effect July 1, NIU students must submit their immunization records for tetanus/diptheria, measles, mumps and rubella to the University Health Service.

All NIU freshmen, incoming and transfer students enrolled in a class after July 1 must meet the immunization requirements. These students must submit a written document proving their immunization.

The health center will analyze students’ records and tell what shots are needed for complete immunity. Incompletely immunized students must submit their records by Oct. 2, said Rosemary Lane, health center director.

NIU sent out 3300 warning letters to the permanent addresses of students who are not fully immunized. Students who have received warning letters must contact the health center immediately, Lane said.

“We don’t want to see students not able to register for spring semester,” she said.

Students unsure of their immunization status are encouraged to check with their permanent address for a warning letter, Lane said. The health center charges $5 for a single-shot immunization and $10 for all needed immunization shots. Physicians in private practices charge more for administering immunization shots, she said.

Although NIU has had this immunization policy before, the new state law calls for stricter enforcement by the health center.

If an epidemic occurs, students who have claimed exemption from immunization for religious reasons will be prohibited from attending class. Missing two or three weeks of classes could hurt those students academically, Lane said.

One confirmed and one suspected case of measles have been reported at NIU this semester. Eight people in the Chicago area died from the disease during a recent epidemic.

Children are usually immunized when they are between 12 and 15 months old. Adults younger than 33 years of age who work with young children or live in the 13 Chicago high-risk communities are encouraged to receive booster shots.