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Immunization Requirements
NYS Public Health Law requires college students to demonstrate proof of immunity to the diseases measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). The law applies to students born after January 1, 1957, who are registered for 6 or more credits in a class at SUNY. Students not in compliance will not be able to register for classes. The proof of immunity required must be documented by a health care practitioner or other acceptable evidence in the following ways:
For measles, otherwise known as rubeola -- 2 doses live measles vaccine administered after 12 months of age and at least 30 days apart or results of a blood test which shows you are immune to measles (copy of lab report must be provided).
For mumps, 1 live dose mumps vaccine administered after 12 months of age or results of a blood test which shows you are immune to mumps (copy of lab report must be provided).
For rubella, also known as German measles -- 1 live dose rubella vaccine administered after 12 months of age or results of a blood test which shows you are immune to rubella (copy of lab report must be provided).
We will accept any one of the following documentation of your MMR vaccinations:
a) A copy of your immunizations on an official government/ school letterhead — the simplest place to obtain this may be from your most recently attended high school or college; OR
b) A copy of your immunizations on physician’s letterhead, which includes printed name, address and telephone number; OR
c) Have a blood test to confirm immunity. Please note: a copy of the lab report must accompany this form for acceptance.
The MMR vaccination is available at the University Health Center. Please call
518-442-5229 for an appointment.
Regardless of your class standing, the University Health Center must have this proof prior to 30 days after classes start or you will be administratively withdrawn from classes and required to vacate campus.
Religious Exemption:
The immunization section of the health form shall not apply to a person who holds genuine and sincere religious beliefs which are contrary to the practices herein required, and no certificate shall be required as a prerequisite to such person being admitted or received into or attending an institution. Students requesting religious exemption will need to fill out the religious exemption letter, and have their signature witnessed by a notary public. The student may be asked to provide additional information or to meet with the University Health Center Medical Director for approval of a religious exemption.
Religious Exemption Letter
Tuberculosis (TB) Evaluation policy
All UAlbany students must undergo an evaluation for TB. For students who are born in this country the Health Questionnaire on page 2 of the Required Immunization and Health Information Form is adequate. A TB skin test (PPD) is only necessary if TB risk factors are identified.
International students from TB endemic areas are required to have a PPD performed by the Health Center upon arrival on campus. If these students have documentation of a positive PPD they must provide this information with their health form to avoid repeat testing on campus. Negative PPD tests performed outside of the U.S. are not accepted.
International students from non-TB endemic countries are evaluated similarly to domestic students.
NOTE: Any country NOT listed below is a TB endemic country
AMERICAN REGION
USA, Canada, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Virgin Islands.
EUROPEAN
Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, San Marino, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom.
WESTERN PACIFIC
American Samoa, Australia, New Zealand.
You may submit information to the University Health Center by mail or fax. Our mailing address is University Health Center, University at Albany, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222. Our fax number is (518)-442-5444.
A hold will be placed on your record 30 days after arriving on campus if your immunizations and TB evaluation are not up to date.
Positive Tuberculosis test information
People who have a positive PPD usually have been infected with the Tuberculosis (TB) bacteria. Any students with a positive PPD should submit all relevant medical records. They may be required to see a UAlbany Health Center provider for further evaluation.
A negative chest x-ray indicates that the infection has not become an active disease, but it may be dormant in the body. The United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that anyone with a positive PPD be considered for treatment with at least 6-9 months of Isoniazid, commonly referred to as INH. The rationale for this is to prevent the patient from developing active TB disease and prevent people from further spreading it in the United States.
In some areas of the world, such as Latin America, Caribbean, Africa and Asia, tuberculosis is very common and thus many people from these areas will test positive. A positive reaction is defined as a skin test greater than 10 mm for people from the above mentioned countries and greater than 15 mm if the patient is not.
A previous BCG vaccine can give a small positive reaction (generally less than 15 mm) for approximately three years after it is given. After approximately three years, the BCG will generally not be responsible for a positive PPD.
Please call the University Health Center for further information or assistance. The telephone number is (518) 442-5454.
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