This page answers frequently asked questions about immunization requirements for students entering Rutgers University. |
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Where is the Pre-Entrance Health Record Form available?
Forms are available for all students on-line (also – when you click “on-line” the form is included at the end of the file).
Immunization Requirements for Rutgers University
All new and transfer students are required to comply with NJ State and University immunization requirements. The requirements and reporting processes are found on the Rutgers Immunization Portal.
Instructions
- Once you click the button below, select Rutgers University from the drop-down menu
- Sign in using your NetID and Password.
- Follow the directions on the site, and complete all 4 steps.
For questions, email vaccine@echo.rutgers.edu.
COVID VACCINATION
Rutgers requires students to have the covid vaccine and booster (if eligible). More info here: https://coronavirus.rutgers.edu/covid-19-vaccine/
3 simple steps to complete to get the hold lifted so you can take the next steps and get registered.
- get the vaccine and/or booster (if eligible). Go to: https://vaccines.gov and enter your zip code to find walk in and appointments available near you – FREE.
- take a picture of your updated vaccine card (both sides if needed) on your phone.
- go to: https://rutgers.medicatconnect.com – choose Rutgers University and login with your netid and password (same as logging in to: https://my.rutgers.edu ) – go to upload vaccine and covid info – upload your picture(s) of your card and enter the dates of your vaccines
| Rutgers University Student Immunization General Requirement Chart |
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| Disease and Requirement | Students participating in clinical activities and/or at risk of exposure to blood or potentially infectious body fluids (Categories 1,2, 3) | General Rutgers Student Population (Category 4) |
| Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) 2 doses of vaccine or serologic proof of immunity |
Required | Required |
| Meningococcal meningitis. (See below) | ||
| Tuberculosis (TB) testing | Required | Required* |
| Hepatitis B Vaccination and titer |
Required | Required** |
| Influenza Annual dose of vaccine in the fall |
Required | Recommended |
| Varicella 2 doses of vaccine or serologic proof of immunity |
Required | Recommended |
| Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis Primary series plus Tdap booster |
Required | Recommended |
| *Required for students at high risk for TB (listed on the Immunization Record) ** For student taking 12 or more credits ***Required if residing in University student housing IMPORTANT NOTES • Grades/transcripts will be withheld if the immunization requirement for MMR is not met. • If residing in University student housing, you will not receive your room assignment or key on move-in day until the immunization requirement for meningococcal vaccination is met. • Students with clinical activities may not begin if requirements are not met. |
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| Meningitis Vaccination Requirements 2020 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Disease and Requirement | Students participating in clinical activities and/or at risk of exposure to blood or potentially infectious body fluids (Categories 1,2, 3) | General Rutgers Student Population (Category 4) |
| Meningitis | ||
| Meningococcal meningitis ACYW At least 1 dose after the age of 16 or within 5 years of the original vaccine. |
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| Students younger than 19, regardless whether they live on or off campus | Required | Required |
| First-year college students living on campus | Required*** | Required*** |
| Vaccination is also required for any students in the following high-risk groups: • Complement component deficiency or use of a medication known as a complement inhibitor (e.g., eculizumab) • No spleen or problem with spleen – including sickle cell disease • Infected with HIV • Travel to an area where the disease is common. Check www.cdc.gov/travel for travel-related risk. • Work in a laboratory with meningococcal bacteria (Neisseria meningitidis) |
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| Meningococcal meningitis B | ||
| Vaccination is ONLY required for: • Complement component deficiency or use of a medication known as a complement inhibitor (e.g., eculizumab) • No spleen or problem with spleen – including sickle cell disease • Work in a laboratory with meningococcal bacteria (Neisseria meningitidis) *Though MenB vaccination is not required, persons 16-23 years old may choose to receive MenB vaccine to provide short-term protection against most strains of MenB disease. Learn more about meningococcal disease and MenB vaccination at: www.cdc.gov/meningococcal. Please note: Vaccination recommendations and requirements may change if an outbreak of meningitis occurs on campus. You will be notified if this occurs. |
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More information about:
Cost of Immunizations – Important Note: If you have Rutgers University’s health insurance through United Healthcare – the cost of immunizations may be free.
Can I be exempt from getting these vaccinations and testing?
Exemptions will be allowed only on bona fide religious or medical grounds and must be requested in writing. To be exempted on a religious basis, the student must submit a written statement explaining how the administration of immunizing agents conflicts with his or her religious beliefs. To be exempted on medical grounds, the student must submit a written statement form signed by a physician or advance practice nurse indicating that an immunization is medically contraindicated for a specific period of time, and setting forth the reason(s) for the medical contraindication, based upon valid medical reasons.
In the event of a contagious outbreak, un-immunized students will not be allowed on campus.
What is the deadline for return of health forms?
Completed Pre-Entrance Immunization Record is due by June 1 for students entering in the Fall Semester and January 5 for those entering in the Spring Semester.
What about penalties?
If you are living in University housing, you will not be able to obtain your room key on move in day if you have not received the meningococcal vaccination. If you are not compliant with the MMR or TB skin testing (if indicated) requirements, a hold will be placed on your grades and transcripts.
Do I need a physical exam?
While regular preventive care and health maintenance visits with your health care provider are recommended, a full physical exam is not required. We do recommend that those students with chronic health problems bring a copy of their medical records to campus in the event that care at one of our health centers is required. After enrollment, it is also a good idea for those students with chronic health problems to schedule a “get acquainted” visit with a physician at the Student Wellness Center.