Health Requirements

PHL 2165 requires all students born after 1956 to submit proof of immunity against measles, mumps and rubella.  Acceptable proof of immunity is described below.

 

Acceptable proof of immunity to measles (Rubeloa) is one of the following:

• Two doses of live measles vaccination. The first dose administered on or after the first birthday. The second dose administered at least 28 days after the first dose. Records must be specific enough to demonstrate the vaccination was given on or after the first birthday.

 

• Serologic Proof of Immunity. This is a blood test that demonstrates the presence of protective antibodies. A copy of the actual lab test result is required if using this option.

 

• Transcript. Students who are unable to prove the first dose of measles immunization can submit an official transcript proving attendance at a primary or secondary school in the United States since 1980. This will be accepted as proof of first measles vaccination.  In addition, students must submit proof of one dose of measles vaccination within one year of attendance at Canisius College.

 

• Military Waiver. Students who have served in the armed forces and received honorable discharge within 10 years of attendance at Canisius, can submit a copy of their DD214 honorable discharge as waiver. Veterans using this option are granted a waiver until they obtain proof of measles immunity.

 

Acceptable proof of immunity to mumps is one of the following:

• One Dose of Mumps Vaccine. The vaccination must have been given on or after the first birthday. Records must be specific enough to determine the vaccination was administered on or after the age of one year.

 

• Serologic proof of Immunity. This is a blood test that demonstrates the presence of protective antibodies. A copy of the actual lab test result is required if using this option.

 

• Military Waiver. Students who have served in the armed forces and received honorable discharge within 10 years of attendance at Canisius, can submit a copy of their DD214 honorable discharge as a waiver. Veterans using this option are granted a waiver until they obtain proof of mumps immunity.

 

Acceptable proof of immunity to rubella is one of the following:

• One Dose of Rubella Vaccine. The vaccine must have been given on or after the first birthday. Records must be specific enough to determine the vaccination was administered on or after the age of one year.

 

• Serologic proof of immunity. This is a blood test that demonstrates the presence of protective antibodies. A copy of the actual lab test result is required if using this option.

 

• Military Waiver. Students who have served in the armed forces and received honorable discharge within 10 years of attendance at Canisius, can submit a copy of their DD214 honorable discharge as a waiver. Veterans using this option are granted a waiver until they obtain proof of rubella  immunity 

 

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.

• Medical Exemption Form

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.