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who do not submit the required information within thirty days of their first class will have their registration withdrawn. Withdrawn students cannot attend class, reside in college housing, access college technology, participate in or attend campus events.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
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.
Measles- 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.
Mumps- 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.
Rubella- 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.
New York State Public Health Law 2167 For Meningococcal Disease
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 exemptions can be demonstrated by submitting a written and signed statement from the student, or in the event, the student is a minor, from their parents or guardians, that they hold sincere and genuine religious beliefs, which prohibit immunization of the students. This statement must be detailed enough to prove to the College that the beliefs are religious, not philosophical, and sincerely and genuinely held and submitted to the Director of Student Health prior to class attendance. The religious exemption form can be found in the health form section of this web site and must be notarized prior to submission to Student Health.
Notification of Non Compliance
Student Health communicates with students who are missing immunization requirements via:
• Canisius College email
• Portal alerts
• New undergraduate student checklist page
Immunizations and Fees
Immunizations are available through health care providers, travel clinics, urgent care center, government sponsored health clinics and Student Health.
Student Health offers the following vaccinations for a fee:
• Measles, Mumps and Rubella
• Meningococcal ACYW
• Tetanus/Diptheria/Pertussis
• Tetanus/Diptheria
Please contact Student Health for the fees associated with each of these vaccinations.
