Immunization Compliance

Pursuant to Florida Board of Governors Regulation 6.001(9), prior to registration, each student accepted for admission at Florida Atlantic University must submit immunization documents to demonstrate compliance.  Florida Atlantic University requires documented proof of immunizations to Measles and Rubella. In addition, pursuant to Florida Board of Governors Regulations 6.007, effective July 1, 2008, all new matriculating students must also provide documentation of vaccinations against Meningococcal Meningitis and Hepatitis B or provide a signed waiver for each declined vaccination.

FAU has partnered with Medicat to verify student immunization records.

Immunization Hold

Every student receives an immunization hold, which prevents registration for in-person classes until proof of immunization is provided.

To submit your immunization records, please complete the following steps:

• Review the immunization requirements.
• Log into Medicat, enter your vaccine dates and upload supporting documentation

It will take up to 5 business days for your documents to be reviewed, and a further day for the immunization hold to be removed.

Questions about immunization compliance should be directed to immunizationadmin@health.fau.edu 

Immunization Records

You may be able to obtain your immunization records from your:

• Pediatric doctor or physician
• High school
• Previous college

Immunization Documentation
and Requirements

Acceptable documentation is as follows:

Measles (Rubeola):

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause ear infection, pneumonia, seizures, brain damage or even death. Pregnant women and people who have ever had a life-threatening reaction to gelatin, neomycin or a previous dose of MMR vaccine should not receive the MMR vaccine.

Students can be considered compliant for measles only if they have official documentation of at least one of the following:

• Immunization with TWO (2) DOSES of live measles virus vaccine* on or after the first birthday and at least 28 days apart. Persons vaccinated with killed or unknown vaccine prior to 1968 must be revaccinated.
• Laboratory (serologic) evidence of measles immunity.
• A written, dated statement, signed by a physician on his/her stationery, that specifies the date seen and stating that the person has had an illness characterized by a generalized rash lasting three (3) or more days, a fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or greater, a cough and conjunctivitis, and, in the physician’s opinion, is diagnosed to have had the 10-day measles (rubeola).

Rubella (German Measles):

Rubella is a contagious viral infection that causes a rash, mild fever and stiff joints in adults. A pregnant woman who contracts rubella could have a miscarriage or her baby could be born with serious birth defects. Two doses of MMR vaccine can provide long-term, effective protection against these diseases. Anyone who has one of the following should consult with a physician prior to receiving the MMR vaccine: HIV/AIDS or other diseases of the immune system; cancer or is receiving cancer treatment; blood disorders or recent receipt of blood transfusions or blood products. Pregnant women and people who have ever had a life-threatening reaction to gelatin, neomycin or a previous dose of MMR vaccine should not receive the MMR vaccine.

Students can be considered compliant for rubella only if they have official documentation of at least one of the following:

• Immunization with one (1) dose of live rubella virus vaccine* on or after the first birthday.
• Laboratory (serologic) evidence of rubella immunity.

* PLEASE NOTE: ALL FEMALE STUDENTS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT THEY SHOULD NOT BE VACCINATED WITH A LIVE VIRUS VACCINE IF THERE IS ANY POSSIBILITY OF PREGNANCY.

Hepatitis B:

Hepatitis B is a serious viral liver disease that can lead to chronic liver disease, liver cancer or, rarely, death. Hepatitis B vaccine is believed to confer lifelong immunity in most cases. People with a history of life-threatening reaction to baker’s yeast or to a previous dose of hepatitis B vaccine should not receive the vaccine. Pregnant women may be vaccinated.

Students can be considered compliant for hepatitis B only if they have documentation of at least one of the following:

• Official documentation of immunization with THREE (3) DOSES of hepatitis B vaccine in accordance with the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
• Laboratory (serologic) evidence of hepatitis B immunity (positive hepatitis surface antibody).
• A signed waiver declining the vaccine (See Section B).

Meningococcal Meningitis:

Meningococcal Meningitis is a rare bacterial infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can cause severe neurological damage, loss of limbs, or death. The vaccine Menactra protects 90% of its recipients against four of the five serotypes of bacteria which cause this form of meningitis. Protection is believed to last for a minimum of eight years. People with a history of latex allergy, Guillain-Barré syndrome or previous serious allergic reaction to Menactra should not receive the vaccine. Pregnant women must consult with their physicians prior to receiving Menomune/Menactra.

Students can be considered compliant for meningitis only if they have documentation of at least one of the following:

• Documentation of immunization with ONE (1) DOSE of meningococcal meningitis vaccine.
• A signed waiver declining the vaccine (See Section B).

Exemptions:

Religious or medical exemptions

In the event of a measles/rubella or meningococcal meningitis emergency, exempted students will be excluded from all classes and other campus activities until such time as is specified by the County Health Unit director/administrator or the Director of FAU Student Health Services.