Immunization Guidelines for Policy 408
Immunization Requirements for Students
HB 521 – University System of Georgia Institutions are required to obtain signed documentation from newly admitted freshman or matriculated students 18 years of age or older, residing in university managed campus housing, (or from the student's parent or guardian if the student is less than 18 years old), stating that he or she has received a vaccination against meningococcal disease or reviewed the information provided by the institution.
Immunization requirements and recommendations will be updated periodically, based on the recommendation of the Board of Regents Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices which is comprised of representatives from USG institutions and the Department of Public Health. The Office of Student Affairs of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia will inform the institutions of changes to the immunization requirements and recommendations.
Each institution is responsible for distributing immunization information to all new students. Official immunization literature and forms can be produced by the institution or obtained from the Georgia Division of Public Health or the Georgia Registry for Immunization Transactions and Services (GRITS).
Institutions are responsible for collecting and maintaining immunization documentation. Immunization records should be easily accessible by university and health care officials and not stored as part of the admission file.
Proof of immunization information may be shared between institutions either electronically or by sharing paper documents. Institutions are encouraged to use the Georgia Registry for Immunization Transactions and Services (GRITS) as official repository for student immunization information
Student receiving instruction solely via a medium that does not require physical attendance on a University System campus or approved off-campus site may be exempted from providing proof of immunization. This exemption will become void if the student registers to attend classes on a University System campus or at an official off-campus site.
Students who have religious objections to immunizations and students whose physicians have certified that they cannot be immunized because of medical reasons may be exempted from providing proof of immunization. In the event of a disease outbreak, these students may be excluded from any institution or facility of the University System until such time as they present valid evidence that they are immunized against the disease or have had the disease and recovered, or the epidemic or threat no longer constitutes a significant public health danger.
Students who have not completed required multi-dose vaccine series at the time of matriculation may be allowed to register provided they agree to complete the series according to the recommended schedule and provided the institution is able to track completion of the vaccine series.