Immunization Requirements

In order to register for classes, ALL students registering for six credits or more (or its equivalent) and born on or after January 1, 1957, must submit documentation proving immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella to the Health and Wellness Services Office, room N-380, (212) 220-8256. You may e-mail your documents to the Health and Wellness Services Office.

New York State Public Health Law 2165 requires all students to submit documentation proving immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella. A Student Immunization Form can be downloaded.

The immunization requirements are as follows:

  • Proof of two doses of an MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine given after April 23, 1971. The first dose should be administered no more than 4 days prior to first birthday; the second dose must be administered at least 28 days after the first dose. A blood test showing immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella will also satisfy this requirement.

OR

  • Proof of two doses of live measles virus vaccine given after Jan 1, 1968. The first dose should be administered on or after your first birthday; the second dose must be administered at least 28 days after the first dose. A blood test showing immunity to measles will also satisfy this requirement.
  • One dose of live mumps vaccine administered on or after your first birthday, or a blood test showing immunity.
  • One dose of live rubella vaccine administered on or after your first birthday, or a blood test showing immunity.

Additionally, New York State Public Health Law 2167 requires all post secondary institutions to provide information on meningitis and the meningitis vaccine to all students registering for six credits or more (or its equivalent) and requires all students (regardless of age) to submit a Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccination Response Form signed by the student or student’s parent or guardian to the Health & Wellness Services Office. The form acknowledges the receipt of mandatory meningococcal disease and vaccination information. Vaccination is not required.

Meningitis Acknowledgment Form

The meningococcal vaccination is not mandatory, but you are required to submit the Meningitis Acknowledgment Form. You can do this by:

  1. Sign into CUNYfirst
  2. Navigate to Student Services Center
  3. Click on the Meningitis Acknowledgment link in your to-do list.

Note: If you have received the meningitis vaccination within the past five years, you may choose the first option. If you do, you must submit a hard copy record of the vaccination with that date.

Note2: If you decline to obtain the Meningococcal vaccine at this time, you may also choose the third option declining it. The record will upload into your CUNYfirst account and the meningitis hold will be removed immediately. Feel free to contact us with any further questions.

**Meningitis vaccines are not offered by this office.

Acceptable proof of immunity may include (signed and stamped)

  • Immunization cards from childhood (vaccination card), signed and stamped.
  • Immunization records from college, high school, or other schools you attended.
  • Signed and stamped immunization record from your health care provider or clinic.
    • Note: Immunization records can be obtained from a public health department immunization information system. Students born after 1994 who were raised in New York City can check the Citywide Immunization Registry for their records by calling 311.
  • A copy of lab report (also known as titer or serology), showing immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella.

** If you attended a CUNY college, your immunization record will be available at your new school.

These laws apply to students taking six credits or more regardless of whether the student is in a degree-seeking program or not.

 Please return your completed forms to Rm N-380 or email to healthservices@bmcc.cuny.edu. You may call our office at (212) 220-8256 for any additional information. When emailing the office, be sure to include your full name, DOB, and CUNYfirst ID#.

 Exceptions to these immunization requirements

  • A student may be permanently or temporarily exempted from specific required immunizations for medical reasons.
  • A student may be exempt from any or all of the required immunizations for religious reasons.
  • Students who were born prior to January 1, 1957, are exempt from the MMR requirements.
  • The law does not apply to students enrolled for fewer than six semester hours.
  • Prison inmates enrolled at degree-granting institutions while they are incarcerated are also exempt.
  • Students registered for online courses only and who do not meet on campus are not required to meet the immunization requirements.

Please read the Meningococcal Disease Fact Sheet.

For more information, visit the New York State Department of Health.