91抖阴

Student Immunization Policy

Policy Name: Student Immunization Policy
Approval Authority:听 Cabinet
Interpreting and Implementing Authority:听 Director of Health Services
Effective: May 2020
Last Revised: May 2020
Next Review Date: April 2022

Policy Statement

It is the policy of 91抖阴 to comply with the mandatory immunization programs as outlined by the Georgia Division of Public Health, in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Center for Disease Control and the American College Health Association.听

Entities Affected by the Policy
This policy applies to all 91抖阴 full-time day students.听

Policy Details
The 91抖阴 Immunization Form is required. It must be completed and signed by the student and then returned to Health Services along with an official copy of the student鈥檚 immunization (vaccine) record. Students are encouraged to keep a copy of the documents for their personal records.听

All students born after 1956 must provide a statement of immunization against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR), giving the month, day, and year of immunization. A statement of 鈥渦p to date鈥� is not sufficient. Two doses of Measles (Rubeola) vaccine, two doses of Mumps vaccine, and one dose of Rubella are required. Students must have been at least 12 months old when the first Measles dose was received.听

If a student is unable to provide the dates of immunization to Measles, Mumps, and Rubella, she may document immunity by a blood test, at the student鈥檚 expense. If this testing shows no immunity to Measles, Mumps, or Rubella, the student may register following documentation of the first dose of MMR, with the second to follow in thirty (30) days, if required.听

Other vaccination requirements include documented proof of immunity to varicella (chickenpox), tetanus, and hepatitis B, and completed screening for tuberculosis prior to registration at 91抖阴.听

Flu shots are recommended each year at the start of the influenza season (October 鈥� March) and are strongly recommended for students with chronic medical conditions, who are living in residence halls or other group living situations, or if a member of an athletic team.

Some academic programs have additional immunization requirements. Students are advised to check with their program for any additional requirements. The Meningitis vaccination is also recommended (but not required) by the American College Health Association. Georgia Law requires that postsecondary schools provide students with information about meningococcal disease and vaccination. Students are required to complete a document (with signature) acknowledging that they have received this information. This information is available on Wesportal under Student Medical Forms and will be communicated to students in a timely manner through the admissions process.听

Exemptions from compliance with this policy include:

1. Religious exemption: The student must provide a notarized letter from an official of the religion, such as an ordained minister or priest, affirming that the required immunizations are in conflict with the beliefs and practices of the religion. The name of the organization must be specified in the letter, and the letter must be provided on the organization鈥檚 letterhead. Student understands that, notwithstanding religious objections, she may be excluded from the College鈥檚 education programs and activities during an epidemic or threatened epidemic of any disease preventable by a vaccination required by the Georgia Department of Public Health, and that she may be required to receive a vaccination in the event that such a disease is in epidemic stages, as provided in Georgia Code Section 31-12-3 and DPH Rule 511-9-1.03(2)(d).
2. Medical exemption: Medical exemption for a vaccine should be filled in only when there is a physical disability or condition that contraindicates immunization for that particular vaccine. There must be an annual review of medical exemptions, and certificates must be reissued with or without indication of exemption. O.C.G.A. 搂20-2-771(d). Student must provide current documentation from their licensed treating physician that a required immunization is detrimental to the student鈥檚 health and must certify that the student鈥檚 physical disability or condition contraindicates immunization for a specific vaccine.听 This documentation must be on official letterhead; signed by the physician; and be dated no more than one (1) year prior to the enrollment of the student. 听

Student understands that, notwithstanding her medical exemption, she may be excluded from the College鈥檚 education programs and activities during an epidemic or threatened epidemic of any disease preventable by a vaccination required by the Georgia Department of Public Health, and that she may be required to receive a vaccination in the event that such a disease is in epidemic stages, as provided in Georgia Code Section 31-12-3 and DPH Rule 511-9-1.03(2)(d).

During an epidemic or a threatened epidemic of any disease preventable by immunization at 91抖阴, and when an emergency has been declared by appropriate health authorities of this State, the President of the College, in conjunction with the appropriate health authorities, may promulgate rules and regulations specifying diseases against which immunizations may be required.

Responsibilities
All required vaccinations are available at the local health department or through your personal healthcare provider. 91抖阴 also provides annual Flu vaccination clinics on campus in the fall semester. Additional information can be obtained from the Health Services Department.听

Violations of the Policy
Any individual who cannot show proof of immunity or adequate immunization and refuses to be immunized shall be excluded from any 91抖阴鈥檚 education programs, activities, facility including residence halls, and classrooms until valid evidence of immunization against the disease is presented or the epidemic or threat no longer constitutes a significant public health danger.

Interpreting and Implementing Authority
Director of Health Services, with assistance from the Student Affairs program coordinator, will collect and review the records of incoming students to ensure that they meet compliance with this policy. Any incoming students found to be not in compliance will be notified prior to matriculation in order to take the appropriate measures to comply with the policy requirements.听

Initial Policy - February 14, 2020
Revised - May 14, 2020 to ensure continued compliance with the law听

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