Immunization Requirements for Students

New York State Law §2165 requires college students enrolled for at least six (6) semester hours or the equivalent per semester, or at least four (4) semester hours per quarter and who were born on or after January 1, 1957 to demonstrate proof of immunity against measles, mumps and rubella. Those students born before 1957 do not need to submit proof of immunization, but must submit proof of age. Proof of immunity consists of an official record of immunization or a letter from a doctor on his/her stationery detailing immunization history. All documents must contain a signature (and an official doctor's stamp with the name, address and telephone number) of the appropriate health official and must include the month, day and year of the immunization.

You must submit the following information:

Measles
Two (2) doses of live measles vaccine administered after 1957. The first dose must have been received on or after the first birthday and the second dose received after 15 months of age and at least thirty days after the first dose. Combined measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) is recommended for both doses.
Mumps
One dose of live mumps vaccine received on or after the first birthday.
Rubella
One dose of live rubella vaccine received on or after the first birthday.

In addition to your family physician, there are several free immunization clinics sponsored by the New York City Department of Health to assist you with your immunization needs. You can call (212) 676-2278 for detailed information about locations and times of operation.

Meningococcal Disease:
Meningococcal disease is a potentially fatal bacterial infection commonly referred to as meningitis. Meningitis is rare. However, when it strikes, its flu like symptoms make diagnosis difficult. If not treated early, meningitis can lead to swelling of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal column as well as severe and permanent disabilities, such as hearing loss, brain damage, seizures, limb amputation and even death.

On July 22, 2003, Governor Pataki signed New York State Public Health Law (NYS PHL) §2167 requiring residential schools to distribute information about meningococcal disease and vaccination to all students in grades 7 - 12. This law became effective on August 15, 2003 (prior to the Fall 2003 semester).

Marymount Manhattan College is required to maintain a record of the following for each student:

A response to receipt of meningococcal meningitis disease and vaccine information signed by the student's parent or guardian (or the student if he/she is 18 years of age or older); AND
Information on the availability and cost of meningococcal meningitis vaccine (Menomune™); AND EITHER
A record of meningococcal meningitis immunization within the past 10 years; OR
An acknowledgement of meningococcal meningitis disease risks and refusal of meningococcal meningitis immunization signed by the student's parent or guardian (or the student if he/she is 18 years of age or older).

Cases of meningitis among teens and young adults 15 to 24 years of age have more than doubled since 1991. The disease strikes about 3,000 Americans each year and claims about 300 lives.

A vaccine is available that protects against four types of the bacteria that cause meningitis in the United States ¾ types A, C, Y and W 135. These types account for nearly two thirds of meningitis cases among teens and young adults.

Marymount Manhattan College sponsors a vaccination clinic at the beginning of every Fall semester, where students can receive both the flu and meningitis vaccinations at affordable prices.

The American College Health Association (ACHA) strongly recommends students consider vaccination to reduce their risk for potentially fatal meningococcal disease.

For more information about meningococcal disease and the meningococcal vaccine, check out the following websites: www.acha.org or www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh.

Contact Person:
Dahlia Henry, Ed.D.
Coordinator of Health & Wellness Services
Phone: (212) 774-0750