Student Immunization

Policy Statement

Immunizations offer protection against illnesses that can seriously affect your health and the safety of the community at large.

Reason for Policy

To comply with New York State Public Health Law §2165 and §2167, which requires all students taking six (6) credits or more in a degree granting program to provide proof of immunization to measles, mumps, and rubella as well as respond to the meningitis information form.

Who Is Governed by this Policy

Students taking 6 or more credits in a degree seeking program.

Policy

Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (German Measles)

New York State Immunization Law requires all students registered for 6 or more credits, born after 1956, prove immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella. Students who are not in compliance with the mandatory requirements will not be allowed to attend the University, live on campus or participate in extra-curricular or co-curricular activities.

Public Health Law §2165 requires proof of immunity for measles, mumps, and rubella:

Measles (Rubeola):

1. Two doses of live measles vaccine given on or after the first birthday, or
2. Physician documented history of disease, or
3. Titers (a blood test) showing immunity.

Mumps:

1. One dose of live mumps vaccine given on or after the first birthday, or
2. Physician documented history of the disease, or
3. Titers showing immunity.

Rubella (German Measles):

1. One dose of live virus rubella given on or after the first birthday, or
2. Titers showing immunity.

Meningococcal Disease

Meningococcal disease is a potentially fatal bacterial infection commonly referred to as meningitis. New York State Public Health Law (NYSPHL) §2167 requires institutions, including colleges and universities, to distribute information about meningococcal disease and vaccine to all students meeting the enrollment criteria, whether they live on or off campus.
Adelphi University is required to maintain a record of the following for each student:

• A response to receipt of meningococcal disease and vaccine information signed by the student or student’s parent or guardian
  AND EITHER
• A record of meningococcal immunization within the past 5 years;
  OR
• An acknowledgement of meningococcal disease risks and refusal of meningococcal immunization signed by the student or student’s parent or guardian.

Meningococcal disease is rare. However, when it strikes, its flu-like symptoms make diagnosis difficult. Meningococcal disease can cause serious illnesses such as infection of the lining of the brain and spinal column (meningitis) or blood infections (sepsis). The disease strikes quickly and can lead to severe and permanent disabilities, such as hearing loss, brain damage, seizures, limb amputation and even lead to death.

Meningococcal disease can easily spread from person-to-person by coughing, sharing beverages or eating utensils, kissing, or spending time in close contact with someone who is sick or who carries the bacteria. People can spread the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease even before they know they are sick. There have been several outbreaks of meningococcal disease at college campuses across the United States.

The single best way to prevent meningococcal disease is to be vaccinated. As of 2016 the most recent recommendations are for the meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine. This protects against four major strains of bacteria which cause about two-thirds of meningococcal disease in the United States (U.S.). The MenACWY vaccine is recommended for all U.S. teenagers and young adults up to age 21 years. Protection from the MenACWY >vaccine is estimated to last about 3 to 5 years, so young adults who received the MenACWY vaccine before their 16th birthday should get a booster dose before entering college. The meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine protects against a fifth type of meningococcal disease, which accounts for about one-third of cases in the U.S. Young adults aged 16 through 23 years may choose to receive the MenB vaccine series. Students may also opt to have both. They should discuss these decisions with their healthcare provider.

The federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) and NYS Vaccines for Adults (VFA) programs will cover both MenACWY and MenB vaccines for children and adults who have no health insurance or whose health insurance does not cover these vaccines, as well as for children less than 19 years of age who are American Indian or Alaska Native or eligible for Medicaid or Child Health Plus.

Vaccine Availability and Cost

The MenACWY and/or MenB vaccines are available as follows:

1. By appointment with the University’s collaborating physician;
2. By appointment with your private physician, local walk-in clinic or Urgent Care Center;
3. By appointment in the Health Services Center at Adelphi University for a fee, contact 516.877.6000 for more information. Students who are covered by the school health insurance policy are able to receive the vaccine free under this policy.

Request for Religious Exemption to Immunization Law

A student must submit a written statement stating that they hold religious beliefs contrary to the practice of immunization in order to qualify for a religious exemption. Students under 18 years old must submit such a statement signed by his/her parent(s) or guardian(s) to qualify for religious exemption. This statement must demonstrate that the student, or his/her parent(s) or guardian(s) holds sincere and genuine religious beliefs which are contrary to the practice of immunization. Each statement requesting a religious exemption must be specific to Adelphi University. Prior religious exemption statements addressed to other institutions are not considered valid. Public Health Law Section 2165 does not allow for philosophical, political, scientific or sociological exemptions. When a religious exemption is requested, Adelphi University may require supporting documentation. You will be notified of the outcome of this request.
Please provide a written statement addressing all of the following elements:

• In your own words why you are requesting this religious exemption.
• Describe the religious principles that guide your objection to immunization.
• Indicate whether you are opposed to all immunizations, and if not, the religious basis that prohibits particular immunizations.

Assure that your name and ID# are clearly printed on the top of your letter. Sign the bottom if you are over 18 years old; if younger than 18 please have your parents sign the letter.

Definitions

This policy does not have definitions associated with it at this time. Upon periodic policy review, this area will be evaluated to determine if additional information is needed to supplement the policy.

Forms

See “Related Information” section.

Related Information

Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Immunization Requirements

Meningococcal Disease Immunization Requirements

Document History

• Last Reviewed Date: February 10, 2023
• Last Revised Date: February 10, 2023
• Policy Origination Date: September 29, 2017

Who Approved This Policy

Nicole Gaudino, Executive Director University Health and Wellness