New York State Public Health Law Section 2165 requires students at post-secondary institutions to prove they are immune to measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). Most students prove they are immune by submitting proof of having received two MMR vaccines, but there are several ways to become compliant with this law:
- Provide a copy of your childhood immunization record, that has been signed by a medical
provider, and which shows the administration of the following:
- Two live measles vaccines
- The first dose cannot be given earlier than four days before your first birthday.
- The second cannot be given earlier than 28 days after the first dose.
- One or more mumps vaccine(s)
- One or more rubella vaccine(s)
- Two live measles vaccines
- Submit a laboratory report showing antibodies are present in your bloodstream against measles, mumps and rubella. The actual report must be submitted — not a written document affirming immunity. Be sure the report you submit has your name and date of birth on each page.
Exceptions to Public Health Law section 2165
Students born before Jan. 1, 1957: Students who were born before this date are presumed to have been infected by the viruses and do not need to submit proof of immunization.
Medical exemption: Students who cannot receive a measles, mumps or rubella vaccine due to medical reasons may submit proof of this contraindication in order to receive an exemption from the MMR requirement. Follow the instructions on the vaccination exemptions webpage to request a medical exemption. Students granted medical exemptions may be excluded from campus if there is an outbreak of measles, mumps or rubella at the discretion of the department of health. Contact the Decker Student Health Services Center if you have further questions.
Religious exemption: Students who hold a genuine and sincere belief that is contrary to the practice of immunization may apply for a religious exemption. Follow the instructions on the vaccination exemptions webpage to request a medical exemption. Students requesting an MMR exemption should be aware that if an outbreak of measles, mumps and/or rubella occurs at °®¶¹´«Ã½, they may be required to leave the campus or otherwise be restricted from campus for a period of time determined by public health officials.
Consequences of non-compliance
New York state PHL Section 2165 states that students who fail to submit proof of immunity to measles, mumps and rubella must be disenrolled from °®¶¹´«Ã½ on the 30th day after the start of classes for in-state students, and on the 45th day after the start of classes for out-of-state students. Disenrollment means you are no longer a student at °®¶¹´«Ã½, and you must be removed from campus.