The Pennsylvania College and University Student Vaccination Act, signed into law in June 2002, requires students living in campus housing to be immunized against meningococcal disease or to sign a waiver that they have received detailed information on the risks associated with meningococcal disease and the availability and the effectiveness of vaccine and that they choose not to be vaccinated.

In accordance with this act the University of Pennsylvania has implemented the following requirements:

Incoming undergraduate students living in campus-owned housing must be immunized against meningococcal disease. Incoming students are exempt from this requirement only if there is a medical contraindication to vaccination or if religious beliefs prohibit immunization. Requests for exemption must be accompanied by a signed waiver.

Returning undergraduate students and all graduate/professional students living in campus-owned housing must either be immunized against meningococcal disease or submit a waiver in accordance with the College and University Student Vaccination Act. We strongly encourage vaccination for undergraduate students. Graduate students may satisfy this requirement through immunization; there is no evidence at this time to suggest that graduate or professional students are at an increased risk for Meningococcal infection.

Students who already have had this immunization and submitted documentation to SHS do not need to take any further measures.

Students who have had this immunization, but did not notify SHS, will need to provide documentation. This must include the healthcare provider’s signature or official stamp. This may be faxed to SHS at 215 746 0909, or brought in person to the Immunization Office at SHS.

Students may obtain this immunization at the Student Health Service, immunization appointments at SHS may be scheduled by calling 215 746 3535 or online at the SHS Student Portal. Students may elect to obtain this immunization from a private health care provider. Written proof of a valid immunization appointment must be submitted to SHS to avoid registration penalties

Incoming undergraduate students may request a medical or religious exemption. Requests must include a signed statement from an allopathic or osteopathic physician indicating why this vaccine is contraindicated.. Requests for religious exemption must include a detailed written statement of personal beliefs or a letter from clergy. All requests must include a signed Meningococcal Immunization Waiver.

Returning undergraduate students and graduate/professional students may fill out the signed Meningococcal Immunization Waiver.