Immunizations

Immunization Exemptions

New York State ONLY permits the following exemptions for the Mumps, Measles and Rubella immunization requirement:

• If you were born before January 1, 1957.
• Students with a MEDICAL contraindication to a specific vaccine. Sufficient documentation must be submitted by the student's medical provider, stating the reason for the contraindication and an end date, if applicable.
• Students with a strong RELIGIOUS conviction against vaccination. To request this exemption, a student is required to submit a signed statement that explains in their words why an exemption is requested and describes the religious principles that guide your objection to immunization. Please also indicate whether you are opposed to all immunizations, and if not all, the religious basis that prohibits particular immunizations. If the student is under 18 at the time of admission, the form will need to be signed by the parent/guardian, and the student will need to resubmit the documentation once they are 18 years old. Bard College requires that this form be notarized by a notary public, and may require additional supporting documents. This request may need to be reviewed by the NYS Department of Health prior to approval.

• Health Service will notify applicants as to the approval or denial of the exemption request. If the request is denied, the notification will include specific reasons for denial. A denial can be appealed with the NYS Dept of Health Immunization Program within 30 days.
• Philosophical, political, scientific, sociological or other objections to immunization do not justify an exemption under Department of Health regulation 10 NYCCR, Section 66- 2.2(e). This regulation also allows educational institutions to request additional documents in support of the request for religious exemption. Department of Health regulation 10 NYCCR, Section 66-2.2 (e) can be found on the NY State DOHMH website.
• In the event of a measles, mumps, or rubella case on campus, students who are not immunized will be required to receive the necessary vaccine, if possible, or leave campus for a period of time determined by the incubation period of the particular disease at their own expense.