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MCC Daily Tribune Archive

Mandatory Change in Immunization Requirements for NYS College Students


The NYS Department of Health recently updated bacterial meningitis vaccination requirements for college admission to reflect the latest medical recommendations. There have been several outbreaks of meningococcal disease at college campuses across the United States in recent years. Health Services has been busy educating students and parents about the disease, vaccines and requirements.

·         The Disease-Meningococcal Disease is rare but it’s sudden onset of flulike symptoms make diagnosis difficult.  It can cause serious illnesses such as infection of the lining of the brain and spinal column (meningitis) or blood infections (sepsis), and can lead to severe and permanent disabilities or death.

·         The College’s Responsibility-New York State Public Health Law 2167 now requires colleges to distribute the updated information about meningococcal disease and vaccine to all students meeting the enrollment criteria, regardless of age or whether they live on or off campus. 

·         Vaccine Recommendations- state that all first-year college students, up to age 21 years, should have at least 1 dose of Meningococcal ACWY vaccine within 5 years of enrollment (these vaccines may be listed as Menactra, Menveo, MCV4, Menomune, MPV4 or MenACWY on the vaccine record). This is a change from past recommendations of vaccination within 10 years of college entry- ongoing evaluation of the vaccines now show they protect for 3-5 years. In addition, young adults aged 16 through 23 years may choose to receive the Meningococcal B vaccine series as well (Trumemba or Bexsero). College students should discuss the Meningococcal B vaccine with a healthcare provider. Eligible students may  receive the vaccine at their  Primary Care Provider, at their  local Health Department, or at the Monroe County Immunization Clinic at 111 Westfall Road, Rochester, New York 14692 (585-753-5150).

·         The Student’s  Responsibility- to respond with proof that they have received the vaccine within the past 5 years OR make an informed decision to decline it. Taking the vaccine is not mandatory, and declining the vaccine does not prevent a student from receiving it in the future.

·         More detailed information can be found on the Health Services webpage at https://www.monroecc.edu/depts/stuhealth/immune.htm. Students can find out how to sign the waiver electronically.

·         As always, students with questions should call Health Services at 292-2018. Registered Nurses are here Monday- Friday all summer for illnesses and injuries, MMR vaccines, TB tests, and all athletic and health program clearances.

Thank you from Health Services

Jeanne Flanagan
Health Services
07/20/2016