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Student Handbook

1.2.5 - IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS

Scope of the policy:

  1. Incoming degree-seeking undergraduate, and Transfer students. (Note: additional requirements for certain Xavier programs already exist and are customized to the particular program, ex: nursing, occupational therapy, etc.); and
  2. All incoming international students (undergraduate, graduate, non-degree).
  3. Students in solely on-line programs, and who do not participate in any in-person University courses, events or activities are not included in these requirements. Students in on-line programs who enroll in an in-person course will be required to comply with all immunization requirements as outlined below.

Required Vaccinations:

  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): Two (2) doses of MMR (first dose one must have occurred on or after first birthday, with the second dose given at least 28 days after the first dose. OR Two (2) doses of Measles, Two (2) doses Mumps, and One (1) dose of Rubella OR lab reporting confirming immunity for each.
  • Hepatitis B: Three (3) doses of Hepatitis B OR lab report confirming immunity
  • Meningococcal conjugate (ACWY): One (1) dose since age 16

See section 1.2.5.1 for COVID-19 vaccine requirements

 

Students may meet these requirements by submitting their physician-certified immunization record through the Med+Proctor platform.

Other health requirements may apply to international students.

Failure to submit the required information may block students from registering for classes.

The Ohio Revised Code ("O.R.C.") Section 1713.55 states that beginning with the academic year that commences on or after July 1, 2005, an institution of higher education shall not permit a student to reside in on-campus housing unless the student (or parent if the student is younger than 18 years of age) discloses whether the student has been vaccinated against meningococcal meningitis and hepatitis B by submitting a meningitis and hepatitis B vaccination status statement. O.R.C. Section 3701.133 states that the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) shall make available on its website information about meningitis and hepatitis B, the risks associated with the diseases and the availability and effectiveness of the vaccines. ODH shall also make available, on its website, in a format suitable for downloading, a meningitis and hepatitis B vaccination status statement form that complies with the guidelines outlined in O.R.C. Section 3701.133(B). This information and a meningitis and hepatitis B vaccination status statement form can be found at:https://www.odh.ohio.gov/odhprograms/bid/immunization/collegeimm.

Immunization Exemption

To best protect the health of the campus community as a whole, a high level of compliance with the university vaccination requirements is required. The University will consider allowing individualized immunization exemptions on a case-by-case basis as follows:

  • Medical exemption: If a student is unable to meet the immunization requirements due to qualifying medical reasons, the student must complete a Medical Exemption Request Form. The signature of a medical provider who has one of the following credentials is required: (MD, DO, Nurse Practitioner, or Physician Assistant). The request form is available through the Med+Proctor website.
  • Religious exemption: If a student is unable to meet the immunization requirements due to religious beliefs, the student must complete a Religious Exemption Request Form. The signature of a public notary will be required on the request form, which is available through the Med+Proctor website.
  • A student’s philosophical or ethical concerns regarding the vaccine will not meet the exemption requirements.  

Medical exemption requests will be reviewed by Xavier’s Health & Wellness Services staff.  Religious exemption requests will be reviewed by University officials. Students who receive an approved exemption may be required to leave campus and not attend classes during an outbreak in any part of campus. To protect the health of unvaccinated students during an outbreak, Xavier Health Services will keep a list of students with exemptions and, after consulting with the local public health department, will inform the students of the need to leave the campus (or parts of it) during an outbreak. Under the guidance of the CDC, if a student receives an exemption and does not receive the immunization, the student may be restricted in their ability to participate in certain University programs and maybe required to participate in risk-reduction practices including but not limited to mandatory surveillance testing. Students who receive an approved medical exemption should contact the Office of Accessibility and Disability Resources for assistance in determining if reasonable accommodations are available to allow full or partial participation. Students whose request for an immunization exemption is denied will be expected to comply with the immunization requirements outlined above.

 

1.2.5.1 COVID-19 VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS

After careful consideration of our high level of immunity and consistently low case numbers, Xavier University will no longer require the COVID-19 vaccine for students or employees effective June 1, 2023. We continue to strongly recommend that all members of our community remain up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines.