Immunization Policy

Statement of Policy

Jefferson Community College intends to fully uphold and enforce the provisions of Public Health Law, Article 21, Title VI, Section 2165 regarding immunization against measles, mumps, and rubella.

Beginning August 1, 1990, students attending New York State colleges and universities will be required to show proof of immunity against measles, mumps and rubella. Persons born before January 1, 1957 will be exempt from this requirement. Proof of immunity to measles will be defined as two doses of measles vaccine on or after the first birthday and at least 30 days apart (preferably three months), physician documented history of disease, or serologic evidence of immunity. Proof of rubella immunity will mean one dose of rubella vaccine on or after the first birthday or serologic evidence of immunity. Proof of mumps immunity will mean one dose of mumps vaccine on or after the first birthday, a physician documented history of disease, or serologic evidence of immunity. The new requirement will be phased in over two years: all freshmen and sophomores will be covered in August 1990; all undergraduate and graduate students will be covered in August 1991. Thereafter, all entering college students at any level will be covered by this legislation.

A “student,” for the purposes of this policy, is defined as any person born on or after January 1, 1957 who is registered to attend or attends classes at Jefferson Community College whether full-time or part-time. “Part-time student” means a student enrolled for at least six (6) and less than 12 semester hours. “Full-time student” means a student enrolled for twelve or more semester-hours.

1. No student will be permitted to attend Jefferson Community College unless one of the following documents has been submitted:
   1. A certificate of immunization.
   2. A certificate that shows the student is in the process of completing the requirements.
   3. A statement from a health care provider, certifying in writing that one or more of the required immunizations may be detrimental to the student’s health or is otherwise medically contraindicated.
   4. A written and signed statement from the student or in the event that the student is less than 18 years old, from their parent or guardian, that they hold sincere and genuine religious beliefs which prohibit immunizations of the student. The college may require supporting documents.
   5. Proof of discharge from the armed services within 10 years from the date of application to Jefferson Community College may qualify as a certificate enabling a student to attend the institution pending an actual receipt of immunization records from the armed services. Note: If while awaiting the receipt of actual immunization records a health risk shall arise at an institution, a student presenting a certificate under the terms of this subdivision shall be removed from the institution if proper immunization cannot be proved or otherwise rectified.
      
      
2. Proof of immunization and/or compliance will be determined and reported to the appropriate offices responsible for registration. Students in the process of completing immunization will receive a follow-up notification from the College. Student immunization records will be maintained in a confidential manner and access will be limited to personnel whose job duties require information from these records. Students have 30 days from the first day of classes to achieve immunization compliance and avoid withdrawal from all classes.
   
   
3. Jefferson Community College will report all cases of measles, mumps, and rubella to the NYS Department of Health according to provisions of the NYS Sanitary Code, 10 NYCRR Volume A-1a; Title: Section 66-1.2 - Statewide Immunization Information System.

This policy has been formulated in reference to SUNY immunization policy and NYS law.

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/PBH/2165
https://regs.health.ny.gov/content/section-66-12-statewide-immunization-information-system
https://www.suny.edu/sunypp/documents.cfm?doc_id=55

IMMUNIZATION POLICY
Revised:  Res. 114-21, March 2021