PRINT DISCLAIMER: Official version of this document is accessible in the online policy library at https://policyoffice.ku.edu/. Printed copies may not reflect the most recent updates.
DOCUMENT TYPE:
Policy
PURPOSE:
To outline the requirements for Measles, Mumps, & Rubella (MMR) and Meningitis Immunization Compliance.
APPLIES TO:
All in-person KU Students, domestic and international.
CAMPUS:
Lawrence, Edwards
DEFINITIONS:
Titer: A measure of the concentration of a substance (such as an antibody) in a blood sample that is obtained by subjecting the sample to serial dilutions (as with saline) to determine the maximum dilution at which the sample retains a specific activity (such as neutralizing an antigen) and that is often expressed as a ratio (such as 1:200)
POLICY STATEMENT:
All students attending KU Lawrence or Edwards campuses, despite length of stay, are required to comply with all immunization requirements.
Watkins Health Services (WHS) must have evidence of a student’s compliance with the following immunizations. In the absence of this evidence, an enrollment hold will be applied and the student will be unable to enroll in subsequent semesters.
Accepted Records for Meningitis and Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) Vaccinations
WHS accepts immunization records from a personal physician's office, school, military, state record, or childhood immunization booklet as official documentation. However, if a student does not have one of these official records, the WHS Immunization History Form (pdf) can be used; but it is required to be filled out and signed by the student’s personal physician's office. All immunization records submitted must include the student's full name, date of birth and KU ID number.
How To Submit Immunization Records
Students submit electronic immunization records through our secure patient portal using the following process:
- Login using the student’s KU online ID and password. Go to the "Medical Clearances" tab to enter the immunizations and dates.
- From the "Medical Clearances" page, select "Immunization Upload" to scan and upload official documentation verifying the student’s immunization history. Please allow 3-5 business days for these documents to be verified.
Students should submit their immunization histories no later than the first day of classes to avoid an enrollment hold being placed on their account.
Required MMR Immunizations Information
All students born on or after January 1, 1957, must show proof of two vaccinations for MMR. History of the disease is not sufficient for compliance unless accompanied by a positive quantitative blood titer.
MMR vaccination requirements are as follows:
- WHS Immunization History Form (pdf) must be signed by a health care provider or be a copy of an official immunization record.
- Official immunization record includes documentation that is on the physician's letterhead or clinic’s letterhead, Official State record, Official School record verified by medical provider. Any other official record signed by a medical provider.
- First MMR vaccination must be on or after the first birthday (will accept up to 4 days prior per Center for Disease Control (CDC))
- Second MMR vaccination must be at least 28-days after the first MMR and after 1980
- Must show proof of two MMR vaccinations by history or valid quantitative serology titer of immunity
Please see Types of MMR Vaccination Waivers below for qualifying information.
WHS monitors a student’s failure to supply proof of required MMR vaccination records and communicates through the following methods:
- Following up with student questions regarding meeting compliance requirements and removal of enrollment holds.
- Communicating with students during the Administrative enrollment hold process, by sending out secure message reminders two weeks prior to the 20th day of classes as well as secure messages on the 20th day of classes, for not having met the University's immunization requirement.
Types of MMR Vaccination Waivers
A student may submit a waiver to WHS for the MMR vaccination after meeting with the WHS Medical Director (“Medical Director”) for approval. Waiver criteria may include the following:
- a medical condition that precludes them from getting the vaccine;
- pregnancy;
- a religious reason for not having the required vaccinations; or
- deferred due to student waiting for their MMR titer result or waiting 28 days to receive 2nd MMR vaccination.
In the event of an outbreak, unimmunized persons, or those without submitted documentation, will be subject to exclusion from campus for 21 days or more.
Required Meningitis Immunization Information
All students living in university-owned group housing are required to be vaccinated with the quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine which protects against A, C, Y and W-135 types of meningitis or sign a waiver indicating that they decline vaccination.
If the student received the vaccine prior to their 16th birthday, a booster dose of meningococcal ACYW is required. It is recommended the student receive this booster prior to attending orientation. The meningitis B vaccine does not fulfill this requirement but is also recommended. For more information about Meningitis or the vaccine, please refer to Meningitis.
Students may satisfy meningococcal vaccine requirement by providing one of the following:
- High school transcript that includes vaccination record;
- Records from doctor's office or other acceptable providers, such as a county health agency;
- Kansas Immunization Record, also known as "the pink book";
- Watkins Health Services (WHS) Immunization Screening History Form, signed off by a healthcare provider;
- Records from other college or university;
- Proof of receiving required immunizations from WHS; or
- Waiver.
Any student who submits a Meningitis waiver must schedule an appointment with the Medical Director. The Medical Director must approve the waiver before the waiver is granted and the student's enrollment hold is removed.
WHS monitors the failure to supply proof of required Meningitis (ACYW) vaccination records and communicates through the following methods:
- Sends reminder by secure message two (2) weeks prior to the 20th day of classes.
- Following up with student questions regarding meeting compliance requirements and removal of enrollment holds; and
- Communicates with students during the Administrative IMM enrollment hold process. This hold is placed on the 20th day of classes during Fall and Spring semesters, for students who remain non-compliant.
Meningitis Waiver
A student may submit a waiver for the Meningitis vaccination after meeting with the Medical Director for approval.
CONSEQUENCES:
Failure to complete all requirements for Meningitis vaccination is a violation of the university housing contract.
CONTACT:
Administrative Director
whs-services@ku.edu
785-864-9500
APPROVED BY:
Watkins Health Services Administrative Director
APPROVAL DATE:
2025-09-08
EFFECTIVE DATE:
2025-09-10
REVIEW CYCLE:
1 year
RELATED STATUTES, REGULATIONS, AND/OR POLICIES:
K.S.A. 76-761a. Student Housing; meningitis vaccination.
CHANGE HISTORY:
09/10/2025: New policy published in Policy Library.