Immunizations

For Measles: Two (2) doses of live measles vaccine. The first dose must have been received no more than 4 days prior to the first birthday and the second dose received at least 28 days after the first dose; OR physician documented history of disease; OR serological evidence of immunity.

For Mumps: One (1) dose of live mumps vaccine received no more than 4 days prior to the first birthday; OR physician documented history of disease; OR serological evidence of immunity.

For Rubella (German Measles): One (1) dose of live rubella vaccine received no more than 4 days prior to the first birthday; OR serological evidence of immunity. NOTE: Previous diagnosis of Rubella is not acceptable proof.

To be immunized, you can go to the Department of Health in the county in which you reside, or you can call the Office of Counseling Services for a list of walk-in clinics in the New York City area that provide immunization.

Meningococcal vaccination within the last 5 years; OR signed meningococcal vaccination response section of the LIM College Immunization Record Form. Signing this section verifies that a student has received information about Meningococcal disease and has made an informed decision about whether or not to receive immunization against the disease.

What is Meningococcal Disease?

Meningococcal disease is a serious illness caused by bacteria. It is the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children 2-18 years old in the United States. Meningitis is an infection of the brain and spinal cord. Meningococcal disease can also cause blood infections. About 2,600 people get meningococcal disease each year in the U.S. 10-15% of these people die despite of treatment with antibiotics. Of those who live, another 11-19% lose their arms or legs, become deaf, have problems with their nervous system, become intellectually disabled, or suffer seizures or strokes. Anyone can get meningococcal disease, but it is most common in infants less than one year of age and people with certain medical conditions, such as lack of a spleen. First-year college students, particularly those who live in dormitories, have a slightly increased risk of getting meningococcal disease.

Meningococcal infections can be treated with drugs such as penicillin. Still, about one out of every 10 people who get the disease dies from it, and many others are affected for life. This is why preventing the disease through use of meningococcal vaccine is important for people at highest risk.

For more detailed information on the meningococcal disease, vaccine, who should get the vaccine, and risks of the vaccine, please contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at 1-800-232-4636 (1-800-CDC-INFO) or visit CDC’s meningococcal disease website.

Age Exemption

If you were born before Jan. 1, 1957 you are exempt from the Measles, Mumps and Rubella Immunization requirements.

Religious Exemption

If you hold genuine and sincere religious beliefs which are contrary to the practices of immunization, you may be exempt from these requirements. If you request religious exemption, you will need to submit an explanation in writing. You may be asked to provide additional information or to meet with the Director of Counseling Services for approval of a religious exemption.

Medical Exemption

You may be granted an exemption to these immunization requirements if a physician has determined that a particular vaccine(s) required is not advisable for you due to medical contraindication. If it’s determined this particular vaccine(s) is no longer contraindicated, you’ll be required to have the vaccine(s). You must submit, in writing, documentation signed by a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner indicating medical contraindication. The temporary or permanent nature of this exemption must be noted in the medical documentation.

Military Waiver

Students honorably discharged from the military within 10 years from the date of application to this institution may attend classes, pending the receipt of immunization records from the armed services.

NOTE: You should understand the consequences of not getting immunized. If there is an outbreak or threat of an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease, nonimmune students may be excluded from campus by an order written by the New York State Department of Health. The order remains in force until the outbreak or the immediate risk of outbreak has ended. It should be noted that extended period of absences from classes can result in academic failure. In such cases that you are not able to attend class due to non-immunization and disease outbreak, LIM College will not be responsible for academic failure and/or tuition costs for the enrolled semester.