New York State Department of Health Bureau of Communicable Disease Control Immunization Program
Important Changes In New York State Immunization Requirements
Several important changes have taken place recently in the immunization requirements for protection against measles, mumps, rubella and Haemophilus influensae type b (Hib). These changes primarily affect three age groups - preschoolers, kindergartners and college-bound students.
Preschoolers - As of January 1, 1990, children enrolled in day care centers, nursery schools and pre-k programs between the ages of 18 months and 5 years (up to the fifth birthday) will be required to show proof of immunization against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).
Kindergartners (and, later, primary and secondary school students) - Beginning September 1, 1990, kindergarten enterers will be required to show proof of having received two vaccinations against measles. The first dose must have been received on or after the first birthday. The second dose should be given after the age of 15 months and preferably between four and six years of age. The interval between doses should be at least three months (see GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS). After September 1990, any kindergartner AND any school enterer (grade l-12) who was born on or after January 1,1985, will be required to have two doses of measles vaccine. Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is the preferred vaccine for both doses of measles immunization.
College Bound Students - Beginning August 1, 1990, students attending New York State colleges and universities will be required to show proof of immunity against measles, mumps and rubella. Persons born before January 1, 1957 will be exempt from this requirement. Proof of immunity to measles will be defined as two doses of measles vaccine on or after the first birthday and at least 30 days apart (preferably three months), physician documented history of disease, or serologic evidence of immunity. Proof of rubella immunity will mean one dose of rubella vaccine on or after the first birthday or serologic evidence of immunity. Proof of mumps immunity will mean one dose of mumps vaccine on or after the first birthday, a physician documented history of disease, or serologic evidence of immunity. The new requirement will be phased in over two years: all freshmen and sophomores will be covered in August 1990; all undergraduate and graduate students will be covered in August 1991. Thereafter, all entering college students at any level will be covered by this legislation.
General Recommendations for measles immunization - Anyone born on or after January 1, 1957, who does not have a history of physician-diagnosed measles or serologic confirmation of measles immunity, should receive two doses of MMR vaccine for maximum protection. The first dose should be given at 15 months of age (at 12 months in New York City). The second dose should be given at 4-6 years of age (school entry) at the same time as the DTP and polio booster doses. MMR vaccine is recommended for all measles vaccine doses to provide increased protection against all three vaccine-preventable diseases: measles, mumps and rubella.
Questions regarding these new immunization requirements may be directed to your local health department or to the New York State or New York City Immunization Program.
College Immunization Requirements Immunization Program New York State Department of Health
New York State Public Health Law 2165 requires post-secondary students attending colleges and universities to demonstrate proof of immunity against measles, and mumps and rubella.
A. Who the new law applies to:
The law applies to persons born on or after January 1, 1957. Full-time first and second year students must comply beginning August 1990, all other students including third and fourth year, graduate level and part-time students must comply beginning August 1991. Full-time students are those enrolled for at least twelve semester hours per semester or the equivalent per quarter. Part-time students are those enrolled for at least six semester hours per semester or equivalent per quarter.
Proof of immunity consists of a certificate of immunization signed by a physician or health care provider which documents measles, mumps and rubella immunity. The certificate must specify the type of vaccine and the dates (month, day, year) of administration, or the date of disease diagnosis, if any, or the date of serologic testing and results, if any. A student health record from a previously attended school which properly documents the immunization history previously described is acceptable as proof of immunity.
a two doses of live measles vaccine administered after 1967. The first dose must have been received on or after the first birthday and the second dose received on or after 15 months of age and at least thirty days after the first dose. Combined measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR) is recommended for both doses; or
b physician diagnosis of disease; or
c serologic evidence of immunity.
a one dose of live rubella vaccine received on or after the first birthday; or
b serologic evidence of immunity. Note: Clinical diagnosis of rubella disease is not acceptable as proof of immunity.
a one dose of live mumps vaccine received on or after the first birthday; or
b physician diagnosis of disease; or
c serologic evidence of immunity.
a Persons may be exempt if a physician certifies in writing that the immunization(s) may be detrimental to their health.
b Persons who hold genuine and sincere religious beliefs which are contrary to immunization may be exempt after submitting a statement to that effect.
Documentation of immunity against measles, mumps and rubella is required for students for continued college or university attendance beyond 30 days (45 days for out-of state students) in New York State. For the 1990-91 school year, these deadlines are extended to 60 and 90 days, respectively. Students should obtain completed immunization records and needed immunizations from their primary health care provider prior to arrival at school beginning in the fall semester 1990. Students who cannot afford immunizations may request them from their local public health department.