2006 Code of Virginia § 23-7.5 - Health histories required; immunizations

23-7.5. Health histories required; immunizations.

A. No full-time student shall be enrolled for the first time in anyfour-year, public institution of higher education in this Commonwealth unlesshe has furnished, before the beginning of the second semester or quarter ofenrollment, a health history consistent with guidelines adopted by eachinstitution's board of visitors, pursuant to the requirements of thissection. Any student who fails to furnish the history will not be eligiblefor registration for the second semester or quarter. Any student who objectson religious grounds shall be exempt from the health history requirement setforth in this section.

B. The health history shall include documented evidence, provided by alicensed health professional or health facility, of the diseases for whichthe student has been immunized, the numbers of doses given, the dates whenadministered and any further immunizations indicated. Prior to enrollment,all students shall be immunized by vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus,poliomyelitis, measles (rubeola), German measles (rubella), and mumpsaccording to the guidelines of the American College Health Association.

C. In addition to the immunization requirements set forth in subsection B,all incoming full-time students, prior to enrollment in any public four-yearinstitution of higher education, shall be vaccinated against (i)meningococcal disease and (ii) hepatitis B.

However, if the institution of higher education provides the student or, ifthe student is a minor, the student's parent or other legal representative,detailed information on the risks associated with meningococcal disease andhepatitis B and on the availability and effectiveness of any vaccine, thestudent or, if the student is a minor, the student's parent or other legalrepresentative may sign a written waiver stating that he has received andreviewed the information on meningococcal disease and hepatitis B and theavailability and effectiveness of any vaccine and has chosen not to be or notto have the student vaccinated.

D. Any student shall be exempt from the immunization requirements set forthin this section who (i) objects on the grounds that administration ofimmunizing agents conflicts with his religious tenets or practices, unless anemergency or epidemic of disease has been declared by the Board of Health, or(ii) presents a statement from a licensed physician which states that hisphysical condition is such that administration of one or more of the requiredimmunizing agents would be detrimental to his health.

E. The Board and Commissioner of Health shall cooperate with any board ofvisitors seeking assistance in the implementation of this section.

F. Further, the State Council of Higher Education shall, in cooperation withthe Board and Commissioner of Health, encourage private colleges anduniversities to develop a procedure for providing information about the risksassociated with meningococcal disease and hepatitis B and the availabilityand effectiveness of any vaccine against meningococcal disease and hepatitisB.

(1986, c. 621; 1987, c. 366; 1990, c. 273; 2001, c. 340; 2005, c. 15.)