Immunizations Policy

State-mandated Exemptions:

Per NYS Public Health Law Section 2165, Students attending a NYS Secondary College or University have the right to request medical and religious exemptions to immunizations. 

To apply for a medical or religious exemption to state-required immunizations, please submit one of the following; 

1. Medical exemption: A letter must be written by a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner and state that a valid contraindication to vaccination exists. The exemption must specify which immunizations are contraindicated and why. 
2. Religious exemption: There must be a written and signed statement from the student (parent or guardian of students less than 18 years of age) that they object to immunization due to their religious beliefs. 

For more information please visit NYSDOH secondary institutions requirements page. 

Recommended Immunizations: 

Hepatitis A – A potentially serious liver disease usually spread through close contact with an infected person or when a person unknowingly ingests the virus from objects, food, or drinks contaminated by small amounts of stool from an infected person. This two-shot series is required for students in the following programs: recreation, adventure travel and ecotourism; culinary; baking; food and beverage; and hotel, resort and tourism management. Available at our clinic for $95. 

Hepatitis B –Hepatitis B is a liver disease that can cause mild illness lasting a few weeks, or it can lead to a serious, lifelong illness. 

HPV – can prevent infection of some types of human papillomavirus. HPV infections can cause certain types of cancers including cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers in women, penile cancer in men; and anal cancers in both men and women. HPV vaccine is routinely recommended for adolescents at 11 or 12 years of age to ensure they are protected before they are exposed to the virus.  HPV vaccine may be given beginning at age 9 years, and as late as age 45 years. Most people older than 26 years will not benefit from HPV vaccination. 

Meningococcal meningitis – Meningococcal disease refers to any illness caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. These illnesses can be severe and include infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and bloodstream. NY State requires either immunization within the past 5 years or the acknowledgement of a meningococcal meningitis fact sheet.  

Polio – can prevent polio (poliomyelitis), a disabling and life-threatening disease caused by poliovirus, which can infect a person’s spinal cord, leading to paralysis. 

Seasonal Influenza – Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. Offered on campus every flu season (October-April) 

Tdap – The Tdap vaccine can prevent tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis Diphtheria and pertussis spread from person to person. Tetanus enters the body through cuts or wounds. This childhood series requires a booster every 10 years.  

Varicella – Prevents chickenpox, a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) that can cause an itchy, blister-like rash.  

COVID 19 – Vaccines are effective at protecting people from getting seriously ill, being hospitalized, and dying. Vaccination remains the safest strategy for avoiding hospitalizations, long-term health outcomes, and death.