Immunization Requirements
New York State Immunization Requirements
All incoming students are required by New York State to comply with Public Health Laws 2165 and 2167. These laws apply to all students including undergraduates, graduates, commuters, residents, US citizens, international, undergraduate and graduate summer students, cross registered, and graduate students in online programs with residency requirements or a “modified online” format.
Canisius College strictly enforces compliance with these laws. Students who do not submit the required information within thirty days of their first class will have their registration withdrawn. Withdrawn students cannot attend class, reside in college housing, access college technology, participate in or attend campus events.
All applicable dates for tuition refund will be applied to immunization withdrawal and an immunization re-registration fee collected when a student complies on or after the withdrawal date.
New York State Required Immunization Form For Canisius Students
Download the New York Required Immunization Form and take to your health care provider to complete. Forms are due in Student Health before first registration.
New York State Public Health Law 2165 for Measles, Mumps and Rubella
All students registered for 6 or more credits, regardless of date of birth, are required to submit proof of vaccination against meningococcal disease within the past 5 years. Proof of vaccination means one dose Meningococcal ACWY not more than 5 years before enrollment and preferable on or after 16 years of age and/or a completed series of two or three doses Meningococcal B not more than 5 years before enrollment. All proof of vaccinations must be signed by a healthcare provider.
Students who do not wish to be vaccinated against meningococcal disease must be educated about the risk of meningococcal disease and sign a statement declining vaccinations.
Read about meningococcal disease here.
Vaccination Exemptions for Medical or Religious Reasons
Medical Exemptions
Medical exemptions can be requested by having a New York State licensed physician complete the Medical Exemption Statement. The request must be reviewed and approved by Student Health Center medical staff.
Religious Exemptions
Religious exemption to New York State Public Health Law 2165 requirement for measles, mumps and rubella can be requested by submitting a written, signed, and notarized statement from the student or from a parent or guardian, in the event the student is a minor, that they hold sincere and genuine religious beliefs that prohibit immunization of the student. Philosophical, political, scientific or sociological objections to immunizations do not justify a religious exemption. The college reserves the right to request additional supporting documentation. Religious exemptions must be requested on one of the forms below.
- Religious Exemption Form for Students
- Religious Exemption for Parents/ Guardian for Minor Students Under 18 Years of Age
Immunization Providers
Immunizations are available through health care providers, travel clinics, urgent care centers, pharmacies and government sponsored health clinics.