Immunizations

Before registering at The New School, all students enrolled for six or more credits in person, living in a New School residence hall, and born on or after January 1, 1957, must provide documentation of their immunizations against measles, mumps, and rubella.

If you have a history of a medically diagnosed case of measles or mumps, you will not need to present proof of vaccination. Documentation of illness must be verified by a medical provider. Proof of prior illness is not acceptable for rubella.

If you are unable to obtain the necessary immunization documentation, an alternative is to have a Blood Antibody Titer drawn. This lab test measures the level of measles, mumps, and rubella antibodies in your blood. If you choose this option, you must attach a copy of the lab results along with the immunization form. Results must indicate that you  are immune to measles, mumps, and rubella.

Students who have attended elementary or secondary school in the United States after December 31, 1980, can submit proof of such attendance (e.g., high school diploma or transcript) as proof of having received one measles virus vaccine only. However, such proof must be accompanied by documentation proving receipt of a second vaccination no more than one year before attendance at The New School.

How to Submit Your Immunization Documentation

For the 2021-2022 school year, the university will be partnering with Med+Proctor to collect immunization information. The link to submit your immunization records will be posted here soon.

Due Dates

• Fall: August 13
• Spring: January 14

Please note: You will not be permitted to move into university housing until the immunization requirements are met. If you have any questions, email shs@newschool.edu.

Meningitis is a very serious bacterial disease, and New York State Public Health Law 2167 requires that all degree-seeking students registering for 6 or more credits in person at a university or college receive information about it. All students must formally decide to do one of the following:

1. Receive the meningitis ACWY vaccination within 30 days of the date next to their signature on the university Immunization and Meningitis Documentation Form*
2. Indicate that they have received the meningococcal vaccine within the past five years and attach the vaccine record
3. Decline receipt of the vaccination after receiving information about meningococcal disease risks*

*If you will be living in university housing, you are required to show proof of immunity against meningitis ACWY received in the last five years before you will be permitted to move into the dorm. Students living in university housing are not eligible to decline the meningitis ACWY vaccination unless they have a valid medical or religious exemption on file. 

If you will not be living in university housing, the meningitis vaccine is not required, but it is strongly recommended for the following individuals:

• Anyone traveling in parts of the world where meningitis is common, such as Africa
• Anyone whose spleen has been removed or damaged
• Anyone who has a compromised immune system
• Any other adult wishing to reduce the risk of contracting meningococcal disease

All students born before January 1, 1957, are exempt from providing documentation of measles, mumps, and rubella immunization.

Online-Only Students Living Off Campus
Students who are living off campus and have registered for online only classes are not required to submit their immunization dates but must indicate that they are taking classes online only on Med+Proctor’s website, which will be available in late spring. Please be advised that if you begin to take classes on campus, you will be required to submit proof of immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella and meet the meningitis requirement before attending classes. 

Religious Exemption
The New York State Department of Health states the following with regard to religious exemptions:

"In order to qualify for religious exemption, a student under 18 years old must submit a written statement signed by their parents or guardian stating that they hold religious beliefs contrary to the practice of immunization. Students 18 years or older must submit such a statement themselves to qualify for religious exemption. This statement must describe the beliefs in sufficient detail to permit an institution to determine that: The beliefs are religious in nature (not philosophical), and the beliefs are sincerely and genuinely held."

Medical Exemption
A student must provide written proof from a medical provider stating the receipt of the vaccinations would prove detrimental to the health of the student. The documentation must specify the period of time the exemption is expected to remain in effect.

Please note: Students who receive a medical or religious immunization exemption may be excluded from in-person classes, residence halls, and/or campus facilities in the event of an outbreak. Any expenses incurred by a student as a result of exclusion from in-person class, campus facilities, and/or university housing are the sole responsibility of the student.

Information about immunizations can be obtained from your medical provider or on the Centers for Disease Control website. In addition, many routine vaccines can be obtained free of charge through your insurance plan at various immunization clinics.