Policies and Procedures
Student Immunization Policy
Policy Statement
ESF requires all students to comply with New York State Public Health Laws and recommends that all students comply with the current vaccine recommendations suggested by the American College Health Association and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. New York Public Health Law requires students born after January 1, 1957 to demonstrate proof of immunizations for measles, mumps, and rubella. Students must upload their immunization record to our ESF Wellness Portal.
The required immunizations do not apply to students who take online classes and do not visit or enter any of ESF’s campuses.
Students must also acknowledge that they have received information about meningitis vaccinations and have made an informed decision to receive or decline an immunization against meningitis.
Reason for Policy
New York Public Health Law requires students born after January 1, 1957 to demonstrate proof of immunizations for measles, mumps, and rubella. This law applies to all college students who are registered for six (6) or more credits.
Scope of Policy
This policy applies to:
- Students
Website References
ESF Student Handbook
Vice Provost and Dean for Student Affairs
Contacts
Specific questions should be directed to the following:
Kitty McCarthy
Executive Officer for Enrollment Managment & Student Affairs
(315) 470-6660
students@esf.edu
Definitions
ESF Student
For the purposes of this policy, a student who is enrolled in 6 or more credit hours. This applies to all students including, but not limited to, undergraduate, graduate, and international students at all campuses of the College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF). This policy does not apply to students who take online classes and do not visit or enter any of ESF’s campuses.
Policies
Required Immunizations
Pursuant to New York State Public Health Law § 2165, the following immunizations must be submitted by students who were not granted an exemption:
- Measles (also known as rubella): Students must receive two (2) doses of live measles vaccines. The first dose must be administered no more than four (4) days before the student's first (1st) birthday. The second dose must be administered at least twenty-eight (28) days after the first dose.
- Mumps: Students must receive one (1) live dose of the mumps vaccine administered no more than four (4) days before student's first (1st) birthday.
- Rubella (also known as MMR or German measles): Students must receive one (1) live dose of the rubella vaccine administered no more than four (4) days before the student's first (1st) birthday.
Pursuant to New York State Public Health Law § 2167, all students1 are required to review and sign the ESF Immunization History Form, which includes an acknowledgment that the student has received information about meningitis and has made an informed decision to receive or decline the meningitis vaccine. All students must demonstrate compliance with this requirement before the thirtieth (30th) day of classes after enrollment. This requirement applies to all students, including out-of-state residents and international students. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in the Registrar’s Office being notified and the student being administratively withdrawn from classes. The student may also be required to vacate campus.
Proof of Immunization
Each student must present documentation on official physician’s letterhead indicating the exact dates of vaccination. The documentation must include the printed name, address, and telephone number of the physician.
Each student must upload their immunization record to our ESF Wellness Portal before August 1 (for fall semester matriculation) or January 15 (for spring semester matriculation). If students cannot locate proof of immunizations, they can check with their high school, prior college/university, or local health department.
Procedures
Process for Filing Proof of Immunization
Any student who believes they should be exempted from the MMR requirements must apply for and be granted an exemption by uploading their request and supporting documentation through the ESF Wellness Portal before the first day of Orientation.
For questions, please contact the Division of Student Affairs at students@esf.edu or 315-470-6660.
Failure to Provide Proof of Immunization
Any student who has not provided proof of immunization on or before August 1 (for
fall semester matriculation) or January 15 (for spring semester matriculation) will
have a hold placed on his/her student account. Proof of immunization or an approved
exemption must be
received by the Division of Student Affairs before the thirtieth (30th) day of classes
after enrollment at ESF. Failure to do so will result in the Registrar’s Office being
notified and the student being administratively withdrawn from classes. The student
may also be required to
vacate campus. This requirement is extended to forty-five (45) days for all out-of-state
residents and international students.
Tuberculosis
All foreign born students must undergo a TB skin test upon arrival on campus. Students may also be required to provide relevant lab results, recent chest x-ray reports, or undergo further evaluations and/or treatment.
Failure to adhere to this requirement will result in the Registrar’s Office being notified and the international student being administratively withdrawn from classes. The student may also be required to vacate campus.
Recommended Immunizations
Although not required, ESF recommends that all students receive immunizations for the following diseases: Hepatitis A & B, Influenza, Tdap, HPV, Tetanus-Diphtheria, Meningitis, Polio, and Varicella. This information can be provided on the ESF Wellness Portal.
Forms
Revision Record
Issued: March, 2018
Revised: January, 2019
Revised: June, 2024