8.4.1 Immunization Compliance Policy
Policy Statement
Vaccine preventable illnesses continue to occur on American campuses and pose a threat to the public’s health. Knowing the vaccination status of individual students can assist in minimizing that risk. The goal of Student Health Services and the College of Charleston is to provide adequate protection against vaccine preventable diseases by requiring newly entering students (including transfer students) to be vaccinated and/or screened for certain contagious diseases.
This goal can best be achieved through a prematriculation immunization requirement. The College of Charleston immunization requirements are consistent with the recommendations of the American College Health Association (ACHA) and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Exceptions to this policy may be granted in the event of valid medical contraindications or for documented religious reasons. In the event of certain communicable disease emergencies, these exempted students will be excluded from campus activities, until such time as is specified by South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC-DHEC).
Compliance with all immunization, post screening tests, treatment regimens, and monitoring is required with exceptions for valid medical contraindications or documented religious reasons. .
Policy Manager and Responsible Department or Office
Director - Student Health Services
Departments/Offices Affected by the Policy
Compliance and non-compliance with this policy has a campus-wide impact on the health and safety of the College community at large. Logistically Student Health Services and the Office of the Registrar will be most directly impacted.
Policy
Vaccine preventable illnesses continue to occur on American campuses and pose a significant threat to the public’s health. The goal of Student Health Services and the College of Charleston is to provide adequate protection against vaccine preventable diseases by requiring newly entering students be vaccinated and/or screened for certain highly contagious diseases.
This goal can best be achieved through a mandatory prematriculation immunization requirement. The College of Charleston immunization requirements are consistent with the recommendations of the American College Health Association and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Exceptions to this policy may be granted in the event of valid medical contraindications or for documented religious reasons. In the event of certain communicable disease outbreak emergencies, these exempted students will be excluded from campus activities, until such time as is specified by South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC-DHEC).
Compliance with all immunization, post screening tests, treatment regimens, and monitoring are mandatory with exceptions for valid medical contraindications or documented religious reasons.
Purpose/Reason for the Policy
This Policy describes the College of Charleston’s measures to manage the large number of chemical and biological agents used in student and research laboratories at all College of Charleston facilities and locations.
Procedures Related to the Policy
Requirements of all Students
Meningococcal
All first year students age 24 and under are required to provide proof of immunization of the quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine (A, C, Y, W – NOT Serogroup B) or must sign a liability waiver/release declining the vaccine. A parent or legal guardian’s signature will be required if the student declines and is under the age of 18.
If 2-5 years has elapsed since the student’s most recent vaccine administration with MPSV4, the College of Charleston Student Health Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest the Menactra vaccine.
If more than 5 years has elapsed since the student’s most recent vaccine administration with Menomune, Menevo, the Menactra vaccine is required or the student must supply a signed liability waiver/release declining vaccination.
Measles, Mumps and Rubella
All students born after 1956 must provide proof of immunization of Rubeola (red measles), Mumps and Rubella (German measles).
Acceptable immunization records include two MMR shots administered after 1967 and after the student’s first birthday or positive serum titer (blood antibody) providing evidence of immunity.
Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (TDaP)
Immunization/booster within the last 10 years.
Additional Requirements for International Students
International students who arrived within the previous five (5) years where tuberculosis is endemic (visit www.cdc.gov) or any additional countries designated by the Director of Student Health Services must be screened for tuberculosis.
Tuberculosis screening services will be provided by Student Health Services and will be performed in accordance with recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and other appropriate guidelines.
Tuberculosis screening may be performed prior to arrival on campus. Screening must be performed and documented using the College of Charleston’s immunization form. The purified protein derivative (PPD) must be used for initial screening.
International students and other designated students arriving on campus without a tuberculosis exam will be directed to the Student Health Center for testing and evaluation.
Students who report to campus with documentation of a positive purified protein derivative (PPD) test or who test positive at the Student Health Center will be evaluated for further testing and possible medical intervention. A chest radiograph is required for positive PPD’s.
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination does not preclude testing of a member of a high-risk group. Evidence of BCG is not acceptable to meet the tuberculosis screening requirement.
The costs incurred to rule out active or latent TB disease, will be the sole responsibility of the student.
Exemptions to Immunization
Exemption to immunization may be granted based on individual religious beliefs. For purposes of this policy, "religious beliefs" include those that are theistic in nature, as well as non-theistic moral or ethical beliefs as to what is right and wrong which are sincerely held with the strength of traditional religious views. Personal preferences do not constitute religious beliefs.
Individuals requesting exemption due to religious beliefs must provide a signed Student Liability Release and Waiver/Meningitis Vaccine Release and Waiver and a written request provided to Student Health Services within thirty (30) days of coming to reside on campus. The written form and request should clearly explain why the immunization is contrary to the individual's religious beliefs.
Recommended Vaccinations
In addition to the aforementioned requirements, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention along with the College of Charleston Student Health Services strongly recommends certain immunizations for the college population. These vaccines include:
HPV Vaccine-highly recommended for all females and males between the ages of 11-26
Hepatitis B
Varicella
Influenza (yearly)
Polio
A purified protein derivative (PPD) test for possible tuberculosis exposure is recommended for domestic students who have traveled to areas where tuberculosis is endemic. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for an up to date list at www.cdc.gov.
Reason for Revision
Updates former policy concerning meningococcal immunization, includes all other required and recommended vaccines and more accurately reflects what is being done on campus and at the College of Charleston Student Health Services with regard to vaccinations.
Related Policies, Documents or Forms
8.4.1 Immunization Compliance Policy PDF
Revision Log
Issue Date: 7/20/2016
Last Review Date: 10/1/2020
Next Review Date: 10/2/2025
Web Publication Date: 1/27/2026