New York State law requires all students attending colleges and universities in the state who were born after January 1, 1957 and who are taking six or more credits to be immunized against measles, mumps and rubella. Failure to present proof of immunization to Vaughn College can prohibit a student from registering for classes; immunization status is checked as part of the registration process.

Students not in compliance 45 days after the start of classes may not be permitted to continue classes and may be de-registered for the semester.

Proof of immunization should be submitted in English. The assistant director of student affairs is available to answer questions about immunization requirements.

Why is proof of immunization necessary?

Outbreaks of measles, mumps and rubella are highly contagious and can present serious health issues. With proper immunization, such outbreaks can be controlled.

What constitutes proof of immunication?

Acceptable proof includes one of the following:

• A certificate of immunization signed by your health care provider;
• A student health record from a previous school documenting your immunization history;
• A laboratory copy of serologic testing for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) antibodies;
• Documentation that proves you have attended primary or secondary school in the United States after 1980 is sufficient proof that you have received one dose of live measles vaccine. You must, however, provide, a certificate of immunization that documents that a dose of measles vaccine was administered within one year prior to attending a post-secondary institution. Documentation of mumps and rubella vaccines must also be provided.
• Documentation (passport, driver license, birth certificate) that confirms your date of birth as prior to January 1, 1957.

Claim of Religious Exemption

A religious exemption can be claimed by submitting a Religious Exemption form and a notarized statement by the student and parent/guardian if the student is younger than 18. Contact Director of Admissions Celso Alvarez at 718.429.6600 ext. 117 for religious exemption forms. A statement of religious exemption must describe your beliefs in sufficient detail to enable the institution to determine that they are religious in nature, and not political or philosophical; and that beliefs are genuinely and sincerely held.

Armed Sservices Waiver

Students who show proof of honorable discharge from the armed services within 10 years of attendance at the College can attend classes while awaiting receipt of military immunization records.

Meningitis

New York state law also requires colleges and universities to distribute information on meningococcal disease and vaccination to students registered for six or more credits, whether they live on or off campus. Students registered for six or more credits must decide whether to be immunized for meningitis and to provide confirmation of that decision.

Disclosure of Immunization Records

Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, the College will obtain the student's written consent prior to disclosing immunization records.