Required Immunizations for all students:
- Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) 2 doses
- Tetanus or Diphtheria (Tdap or Td) must be up to date
- Hepatitis B series
- Varicella (Chicken Pox) 2 doses or date of disease
- COVID-19
Students are asked to:
- Provide dates of immunizations.
- Acknowledge understanding of the university’s expectation for insurance.
- Acknowledge receipt of information regarding risks associated with meningitis/meningococcal disease and the benefits of vaccination.
If you reside on campus, Georgia law also requires that you receive a meningitis vaccination or waive this immunization. More information is on the housing contract.
Meningitis/Meningococcal disease is a potentially life-threatening bacterial infection. The disease is most commonly expressed as meningococcal meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, or meningococcemia, a serious infection of the blood.
The disease strikes 2,500 Americans each year, leading to death in approximately 10-15 percent of cases. It is estimated that 100-125 cases occur annually on college campuses and 5-15 students die as a result. The disease can result in permanent brain damage, hearing loss, learning disability, limb amputation, kidney failure or death.
It is transmitted through respiratory secretions (coughing and sneezing) and direct contact with infected persons. Students living in dormitories have a six-fold increased risk for the disease.
For more information about Meningitis/Meningococcal, please see this information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In accordance with Georgia Code all students must comply with the state requirement via our online immunization compliance form found here:
Documentation
Documentation from medical provider is not required if you have been immunized and are able to provide the month and year for the immunizations requested. If you are unable to provide immunization dates, you may provide a written statement from a physician which:
- proves immunity because the student had the disease
- confirms laboratory evidence of immune titer
- documents specific medical contraindication to a vaccine (allergy or physical condition that prevents vaccination)
This documentation can be emailed to [email protected].
Exemptions
If you have a religious or other objection to our immunization policy, or wish to be exempt for another reason, you must indicate that on the Immunization Compliance Form linked above. Applying for an exemption for the COVID-19 vaccine for medical or religious accommodations can be done through the form from the email sent to students on June 16, 2021.
Failure to comply with the immunization policy will result in restrictions on registration.