Immunization Requirements

Immunization & Meningitis Requirements

In accordance with New York State Public Health Law 2165, Fredonia requires that all incoming degree-seeking students (undergraduate and graduate) born on or after January 1, 1957 must provide proof of immunity against measles, mumps, and rubella. The state also requires that all students receive information about meningococcal disease and have made an informed decision about whether or not to receive immunization against meningococcal disease.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella

In accordance with New York State Public Health Law 2165, students born on or after January 1, 1957 must provide an official record of their measles, mumps, and rubella immunity before registering for classes at Fredonia. Records may be obtained from the student's past or current health care provider, previous school or university, public health department or government agency. The following information describes the proof of immunity required for measles, mumps, and rubella:

Measles:

• TWO doses of Measles vaccine (or two doses of combined MMR vaccine) given on or after the first birthday, and at least 28 days apart; or
• Serologic evidence of immunity (positive blood titers)

Mumps:

• One dose of Mumps vaccine (or combined MMR vaccine) on or after the first birthday, given after January 1, 1969, or
• Serologic evidence of immunity (positive blood titers)

Rubella:

• One dose of Rubella vaccine (or combined MMR vaccine) on or after the first birthday, given after January 1, 1969, or

• Serologic evidence of immunity (positive blood titers). (Note: History of illness is not acceptable)

Meningitis Information

In accordance with New York State Public Health Law Section 2167, students must verify that they have received information about meningococcal disease and have made an informed decision about whether or not to receive vaccination against meningococcal disease. Students comply by reading the required information regarding meningitis, and completing the meningococcal information response on "Your Connections". The student is considered compliant with the requirement whether they received the vaccination or declined it.

Click here to view the New York State Department of Health Meningitis Fact Sheet

Fredonia is required to maintain a record of the following for each student:

• A vaccine record indicating at least 1 dose of meningocococcal ACWY vaccine within the last 5 years or a complete 2- or 3-dose of MenB without a response form; or
• A signed response form indicating that the student will not obtain immunization against meningococcal disease.

If the student has not received the meningococcal vaccine within the past 5 years, then he/she must submit the signed response form.

Students who met the requirements for PHL 2167 in a semester/trimester prior to Spring 2017 are "grandfathered in" and do not need to resubmit their vaccine record or their response form.

Exemptions from Immunization Requirements:

• Medical Exemption - If a licensed physician, physician assistant, 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 (for resolvable conditions such as pregnancy) exemption may be granted.  This statement must specify those immunizations which may be detrimental and the length of time they may be detrimental.  Provisions need to be made to review records of temporarily exempted persons periodically to see if contraindications still exist.  In the event of an outbreak, medically exempt individuals should be protected from exposure.  This may include exclusion from classes or campus.

• Religious Exemption: A student may be exempt from vaccination if, in the opinion of the institution, that student or student's parent(s) or guardian of those less than 18 years old holds genuine and sincere religious beliefs which are contrary to the practice of immunization. The student requesting exemption may or may not be a member of an established religious organization.  Requests for exemptions must be written and signed by the student if 18 years of age or older, or parent(s) , or guardian if under the age of 18.  The institution may require supporting documents.  It is not required that a religious exemption statement be notarized.  In the event of an outbreak, religious exempt individuals should be protected from exposure.  This may include exclusion from classes or campus.

What is an Acceptable Immunization Record:

• A copy of your immunizations (including actual dates) on an official government/school letterhead — the simplest place to obtain this may be from your most recently attended high school or college; OR

• A copy of your immunizations (including actual dates) on physician’s letterhead, which includes printed name, address and telephone number; OR

• Have a blood test to confirm immunity. Please note: a copy of the lab report must be provided to Student Health Services.

Please note that the documentation must be in English and must have students name and date of birth.