Immunization Requirements
Public Health Law 2167 states that all students must certify that they have received information about the risk of meningitis, and that they are aware there is a vaccine that could reduce this risk. Evidence of a meningitis vaccine within the last 5 years or a signed waiver declining the vaccination satisfies this statute. A 30 day grace period will be extended if the student indicates in writing that they will receive the vaccine.
The Covid-19 vaccine is not currently required, but students are strongly encouraged to stay up to date with covid vaccines and boosters.
All students, regardless of credit hours, are encouraged to submit a Immunization Form with an official copy of their immunizations.
Submission of this information is required of all students taking 6 or more credit hours. A paper copy of the form can be obtained
from the Health Office, Enrollment Advising Center, or the Welcome Desk at the Elmira
campus. Please note that a medical provider's signature is not required on the form
if the student is providing an official copy of their immunization record.
Proof of Immunity to Measles, Mumps, and Rubella can be satisfied by providing a copy of your vaccination record and should include evidence of:
- Two doses of a LIVE Measles vaccine given no more than 4 days prior to the student's first birthday, and the second dose given a minimum of 28 days after the first dose.
- One dose of a LIVE Mumps vaccine given no more than 4 days prior to the student's first birthday.
- One dose of a LIVE Rubella vaccine given no more than 4 days prior to the student's
first birthday.
Most students born after January 1972 have received two MMR's which is the equivalent of receiving:
- Two doses of Measles vaccine
- Two doses of Mumps vaccine
- Two doses of Rubella vaccine
If you do not have your vaccination records the following agencies may be able to assist you:
- County Health Department
- High school health office
- Military Records
- Previous College Health Office
- State immunization registry
- Pediatrician or MD office
If you are unable to obtain your immunization records there are lab tests that can
prove immunity. Speak with your healthcare provider to obtain these tests.
EXEMPTIONs
Religious Exemption: Students who hold genuine religious beliefs against being immunized against measles, mumps, and rubella will be exempt from PHL 2165 after submitting a request that has been approved by the college. A Religious Exemption Request Form must be submitted to the Health Office to receive this exemption. Please read the instructions on the form carefully before submitting your request. In the event of a measles, mumps, or rubella outbreak, students may be excluded from classes or campus.
Medical Exemption: If a licensed physician or nurse practitioner, or licensed midwife caring for a pregnant student certifies in writing that the student has a health condition which is a valid contraindication to receiving a specific vaccine, then a permanent or temporary exemption may be granted. This statement must specify those immunizations which may be detrimental and the length of time they may be detrimental. In the event of an outbreak, medically exempt individuals should be protected from exposure. This may include exclusion from classes or campus. To obtain this exemption a Medical Exemption Request Form must be submitted to the Health Office.
A meningitis waiver form must still be submitted even if the student is granted an exemption to the measles, mumps, rubella vaccine.
Nursing students, Police Academy Cadets, and Athletes are required to submit additional health forms which include a physical and proof of additional vaccines. Contact the applicable department to request details and deadlines for submitting.
Nursing Department: 607-962-9241
Athletics: 607-962-9318, Director of Athletics, Isaac Bushey
Criminal Justice Department: 607-937-1307
More information on immunization laws from the New York State Department of Health
NONCOMPLIANCE
Any student that remains non-compliant with PHL 2165 and 2167 following a 30-day grace period will have a hold placed on their account. When an adequate vaccine history and acknowledgment of meningitis education have been received in the health office, the hold will be removed. An account hold prevents students from registering, making schedule changes, and obtaining transcripts and grades, and could result in graduation delays. In the event of a campus outbreak, all susceptible students will be barred from campus until public health officials declare it is safe to return, or when proof of vaccination has been determined.