Immunization Requirements

Tetanus /Diphtheria (Td, Tdap, DTP) Shot:

Must have been boosted within the last ten years.

Measles, Mumps and Rubella Immunity (MMR):

Proof of immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella may be provided by meeting one of the following three criteria:

• Date of birth before 1957, or
• documentation of 2 doses of MMR Vaccine given at least 28 days apart, excluding doses given earlier than four days before the first birthday, or
• documentation of blood test (serology) showing immunity to MMR. If one of the three (measles, mumps, or rubella) is negative (no immunity), two doses of vaccine must be documented.

Varicella (Chickenpox) Immunity:

Proof of immunity to varicella (chickenpox) is required by meeting one of the following four criteria:

• Date of birth before 1980, or
• history of chickenpox illness diagnosed by a healthcare provider or verified by a physician, advanced practice nurse or physician assistant to whom the illness is described, or
• documentation of 2 doses of Varicella Vaccine given at least 28 days apart, excluding doses given earlier than four days before the first birthday, or
• documentation of blood test (serology) showing immunity to varicella.

Meningococcal (Meningitis) vaccine:

Proof of immunity to meningococcal (meningitis) is met through one of the following processes:

• If a dose is administered at age 11–12 years, a booster dose at age 16 is needed.
• If the first dose is administered at age 13 through 15 years, a booster dose should be administered at age 16 through 18 years with a minimum interval of at least eight weeks between doses.
• If the first dose is administered at age 16 years or older, a booster dose is not needed.

If you have any questions regarding any of these vaccines, please consult your physician.

• Full-time enrollees in higher education and institutions (post-secondary) in Tennessee with enrollments larger than 200 students.
• Undergraduates enrolled in at least 12 semester hours, or equivalent.
• Graduate students enrolled in at least nine semester hours, or equivalent.

All immunization requirements must be met BEFORE registration.

Exempt Students Include:

• Full-time distance learning students.
• Students with one of the following cases.
  
  
  • An allergy to a vaccine component.
  • A valid medical condition which contraindicates receiving the vaccine.
  • Religious tenets prohibiting vaccinations.
    
    
    

To Become Exempt for One for the Prior Reasons:

• Contact the Immunization Coordinator.
• Submit a signed letter from your physician explaining your condition, or
• submit a signed religious waiver, available from the Immunization Coordinator.
  
  

If an exempted student contracts one of the diseases listed above or an outbreak occurs, it will be the student's responsibility to remain off campus until a physician gives written permission for the student to return to campus.

All immunization requirements must be met BEFORE registration.

If you have any questions, please call or email us.

Chris Esch, Immunization Coordinator
Phone: (731) 352-4291
Fax: (731) 352-6804
eschc@bethelu.edu