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Policy Title | Student Immunization Policy |
---|---|
Policy Category | Public Safety and Environmental Health and Safety |
Policy Approval Date | October 24, 2018 |
Policies Superseded | None |
Responsible Office | Provost |
Related Policies | None |
Frequency of Review | 3 Years |
Date of Revision |
This Student Immunization Policy ("Policy") applies to all incoming enrolled students including transfer, full-time, undergraduate, and graduate students of the University.
The University is strongly committed to the health, safety, and wellbeing of the campus community. Vaccine-preventable diseases pose a significant threat to the public health of the campus community. The purpose of this Policy is to provide adequate protection against vaccine-preventable diseases by requiring students to be vaccinated against and/or screened for certain highly contagious diseases. All students enrolled at the University, including students studying abroad through the College of Global Studies, are required to comply with this Policy.
For the safety of our campus community, enrolling students must provide proper evidence of immunity by completing the applicable Undergraduate Student Health Record found on the SHS home page which verifies that the following immunizations have been obtained prior to completing registration.
Students studying abroad with the College of Global Studies will be prompted to complete the appropriate verification during their enrollment process.
A physician must complete the certification section on the Student Health Record Form as proof of vaccination.
Notwithstanding Section III above, if a student has a sincerely held religious, medical, or philosophical objection to being vaccinated, that student shall be exempted from the University’s immunization requirements and provided with detailed information on the risks associated with meningococcal disease and the availability and effectiveness of any vaccine. They must read, sign, and submit the University Immunization Waiver Form accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation, as required. Failure to receive the recommended vaccinations set forth in this Policy may increase the risk of such student contracting a preventable infectious disease.
In accordance with Pennsylvania State law (PA Code Title 35 Health and Safety, Chapter 3D College and University Student Vaccination Act 633.3) the University is required to prohibit a student from residing in a dormitory or university-managed housing unit unless the student has received a one-time vaccination against meningococcal disease or has signed a waiver prior to moving into the dormitory or housing unit.
All students assigned University-owned or operated residential housing must:
In the interests of the safety of our campus community, if there is a vaccine-preventable disease outbreak on campus, non-immunized students may be excluded from the campus, classes, accommodations, and other activities at the University for the duration of the outbreak, which can last up to 21 days after the last case is detected at the University. Any affected students will be responsible for any costs associated with their exclusion from campus under these circumstances as well as any academic repercussions that might arise as a result of their absence.
If a student fails to submit a completed Undergraduate Student Health Record or signed University Immunization Waiver Form within the required time frame, SHS’s online medical system will place a hold on the student’s registration until all requirements are met. In the case of University housing, a student will not be permitted to move into, or will be removed from, housing unless vaccination against meningococcal disease has been proven or the University Immunization Waiver Form submitted.
Any questions regarding immunizations or this Policy should be referred to:
Additional Resources for vaccine information:
This Policy is effective on the date that it is signed by the President.
October 24, 2018.