Immunization Documentation
| Section: | Student Life Policies |
| Policy Name: | Immunization Documentation |
| Policy Owner: | Provost |
| Responsible University Office: | Office of the Vice President for Student Life |
| Origination Date: | June 14, 1989 |
| Revisions: | April 1, 1996; May 2002 |
| Legacy Policy Number: | 7-35 |
- PURPOSETo protect University students and employees from the risks of preventable diseases such as: Meningococcal Meningitis, measles, German measles, and mumps and to monitor and prevent the spread of tuberculosis (TB) on the campus.
- POLICYMeasles, German measles, and mumps are highly contagious diseases. In order to prevent outbreaks of these diseases, the University of Delaware and the State of Delaware require immunization documentation from all matriculating students.
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease which is endemic in many parts of the world. The University also requires that all entering students from high risk countries be screened for tuberculosis with a PPD (Mantoux) skin test administered within 6 months of a student beginning classes.
In recent years the incidence of Meningococcal Meningitis outbreaks has risen sharply across the United States with that increase especially in college Freshman living in residence halls. The State of Delaware also required the University to provide information about this disease and the availability of a safe vaccination to help prevent this disease. Entering students must provide information on their vaccination for this disease or sign a waiver declining vaccination.
A student will be exempt from the immunization requirements if he/she objects on the grounds that vaccination or tests conflict with religious beliefs or provides a statement exempting compliance signed by a licensed physician. - IMPLEMENTATIONThe Student Health Service, the Admissions Office, and the Office of the University Registrar are jointly responsible for implementing this policy through the notification of immunization and PPD test requirements, the collection and verification of documented vaccination histories, identification and notification of students not in compliance, and imposition of sanctions for non- compliance.
- ENFORCEMENTIf immunization and PPD testing requirements are not met during the first semester of matriculation, the student will not be permitted to register for the next semester.