Hilbert College is committed to taking steps to protect the physical, mental and emotional health of our entire campus community. An element of that commitment is ensuring compliance with New York Public Health Law requiring student proof of immunizations, along with recommended guidance from the American College Health Association.
New York State Public Health Requirements for Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
New York Public Health Law (PHL) Section 2165 requires students attending post-secondary institutions who were born on or after January 1, 1957, and registered for 6 or more credit hours to demonstrate proof of immunity against measles, mumps, and rubella. Those born before 1957 do not need to submit proof of immunization. All students born after January 1, 1957 must provide to the Office of Student Life:
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Official documentation or immunization record signed by a medical provider of 2 MMR vaccines, OR
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Measles: Proof of immunity for measles must be demonstrated by meeting one of the following three requirements: Official documentation or record signed by a medical provider of two doses of live measles vaccine. The first dose must have been received no more than 4 days prior to the first birthday and the second dose received at least 28 days after the first dose, OR Physician diagnosis of disease, OR Serologic evidence of immunity.
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Mumps: Proof of immunity for mumps must be demonstrated by meeting one of the following three requirements: Official documentation or record signed by a medical provider of one dose of live mumps vaccine received no more than 4 days prior to the first birthday, OR Physician diagnosis of disease, OR Serologic evidence of immunity.
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Rubella: Proof of immunity for rubella must be demonstrated by meeting one of the following two requirements: Official documentation or record signed by a medical provider of one dose of live rubella vaccine received no more than 4 days prior to the first birthday, OR Serologic evidence of immunity. Please note: Clinical diagnosis of rubella disease is not acceptable as proof of immunity.
New York State Public Health Requirements for Meningococcal Disease
Meningococcal Disease New York State Public Health Law (PHL) Section 2167 requires post-secondary institutions to distribute information about meningococcal disease and immunization to the students, or parents or guardians of students under the age of 18, accompanied by a response form. Hilbert College is required to maintain appropriate documentation for each student that includes any of the following:
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Official documentation or immunization record signed by a medical provider indicating at least 1 dose of meningococcal ACWY vaccine within the last 5 years or a complete 2- or 3-dose series of MenB; OR
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A signed Meningococcal Vaccine Response Form indicating that the student will obtain meningococcal vaccine within 30 days; OR
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A signed Meningococcal Vaccine Response Form indicating that the student will not obtain immunization against meningococcal disease.
Note: If the student has not received the meningococcal vaccine within the past 5 years, then they must submit the signed response form. If a student is residing on campus, please see the Hilbert College Resident Student Meningococcal Immunization Requirement below.
Hilbert College Resident Students Meningococcal Immunization Requirement
Since 1997, the American College Health Association (ACHA) has urged undergraduate college students, particularly freshmen who live or plan to live in residence halls, to consider getting the vaccine to reduce their risk for meningococcal disease.
Hilbert College requires that all resident students receive and maintain the meningitis vaccination. All students residing on campus must submit to the Office of Student Life:
Documentation of Requirements
Students must submit all required immunization records and health forms to Hilbert College Office of Student Life, located in Franciscan Hall, 1st Floor.
If NYS mandated immunization records or Hilbert College mandated health forms and immunization requirements are not received within 30 days after the start of classes, non-compliant students will be removed from class and residential facilities.
Medical and Religious Exemptions
New York State law allows a student to request a waiver from a vaccination that is normally required by law if that student, or the parent(s) or guardian(s) of students who are younger than 18 years old, if there is a medical reason to avoid vaccination, or hold genuine and sincere religious beliefs that are contrary to the practice of immunization.
Students may request an accommodation exempting them from the MMR immunization/vaccination requirements under this policy by submitting a Religious or Medical Exemption Request as noted below.
Religious or Medical Exemption Requests must be submitted by July 15 for the fall semester and by December 1 for the spring semester. Hilbert College will evaluate exemption requests in accordance with guidance from public health authorities, college policy, and applicable law.
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Medical exemption requests for students aged 18 and under require a signed, completed medical exemption form issued by the NYS Department of Health from a physician licensed to practice in New York State certifying that immunization may be detrimental to the student’s health. Please use the form linked here to complete a medical exemption for a student aged 18 and under: doh-5077.pdf
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Medical exemption requests for students over the age of 18 require a letter from a qualified health care practitioner (licensed physician, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner, or licensed midwife caring for a pregnant student) stating that the student has a health condition which is a valid contraindication to receiving a specific vaccine. The letter must specify those immunizations which may be detrimental and the length of time they may be detrimental.
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Religious exemption requests require a written statement signed by the student, and parent or guardian if under 18, that the student holds genuine and sincere religious beliefs contrary to the practice of immunization. General philosophical, moral, political, scientific, or sociological objections to immunizations or vaccinations will not justify an exemption from a requirement.
If an exemption is granted by Hilbert College, it may include lawful limitations or conditions on the exempted individual’s participation in particular activities or programs in circumstances where the failure to be immunized/vaccinated would reasonably be expected to (a) prevent the individual from fulfilling the essential functions and/or curricular requirements of his/her/their academic program, (b) cause the College undue hardship, (c) protect the individual from exposure or (d) pose a threat to the health and safety of others.
Students requesting an exemption will be notified in writing of the outcome of their request within 10 business days of Hilbert College receiving a completed request form. Approved Medical and Religious Exemptions are valid for one year and must be re-submitted annually for review by July 15 in advance of the upcoming academic year. At any time, Hilbert College reserves the right to require further documentation.
For more information, visit the Office of Student Life on the first floor of Franciscan Hall or call (716) 649-7900, ext. 123.