New York State PHL Section 2167 requires post-secondary institutions to distribute information about meningococcal disease and immunization to the students, or parents or guardians of students under the age of 18, accompanied by a response form. The institution is required to maintain appropriate documentation for each student. Acceptable documentation includes any of the following:
- a vaccine record indicating at least 1 dose of meningococcal ACWY vaccine within the last 5 years or a complete 2- or 3-dose series of meningococcal B vaccine without a response form; or
- a signed response form with a vaccine record (If a student submits a response form selecting this option, a vaccine record must be attached); or
- a signed response form indicating that the student will obtain meningococcal vaccine within 30 days; or
- a signed response form indicating that the student will not obtain immunization against meningococcal disease.
If the student has not received the meningococcal vaccine within the past 5 years, then they must submit a signed response form. RECEIVING A MENINGITIS VACCINE IS NOT REQUIRED! The meningococcal meningitis response form is available on the patient portal under "Forms." Only the submission of the form must occur.
Exceptions to Public Health Law section 2165
Medical exemption: Students who cannot receive a meningococcal vaccine due to medical reasons may submit proof of this contraindication in order to receive a waiver from the requirement. Alternatively, they could select the option on the form stating they choose not to receive the meningococcal vaccine. Please contact the Decker Student Health Services if you have further questions.
Religious exemption: Students who hold a genuine and sincere belief that is contrary to the practice of immunization may apply for a religious waiver. In order to qualify for a religious exemption, a student under 18 years old must submit a written statement signed by their parent or guardian stating that they hold religious beliefs contrary to the practice of immunization. Alternatively, they could select the option on the Meningococcal Meningitis Response form stating they choose not to receive the meningococcal vaccine.
Consequences of non-compliance:
New York state PHL Section 215 states that students who fail to submit a Meningococcal Meningitis Response form must be disenrolled from Binghamton University on the 30th day after the start of classes for in-state students, and on the 45th day after the start of classes for out-of-state students. Disenrollment means you are no longer a student at Binghamton University and you must be removed from campus.
Information about meningococcal disease:
The information below is from the New York State Department of Health, and can be found at: https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/2168
