In accordance with Louisiana Revised Statute 17:170, institutions of higher learning must require proof of immunization for enrollment and are required to maintain a record of immunizations for students.
McNeese State University requires entering students to provide proof of certain immunizations or a signed waiver of vaccination and release from responsibility. Requirements include vaccinations against measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, and meningococcal disease as indicated below:
Students born after 1956 must provide proof of two doses of measles vaccine:
All students must provide proof of two vaccinations against mumps and rubella. Documentation of immunity by serologic test is also acceptable.
All students must provide proof of a Td or Tdap vaccination within the previous ten years. Students can be considered to have completed a primary series earlier in life, unless stated otherwise.
All students must provide proof of two doses of meningococcal conjugate vaccination separated by at least eight weeks. One dose of meningococcal is acceptable if the first dose was given at or after age 16.
The Proof of Immunization Compliance form or a copy of immunization records is required of all applicants new to McNeese. Applicants may request an exemption from the immunization requirements by signing the Waiver of Vaccination and Release from Responsibility section on the Proof of Immunization Compliance form and agreeing to leave campus in the event of an outbreak until the outbreak is over or proof of immunization is provided.
While acceptance to the University may be granted prior to receipt of proof of immunization, registration into classes is prohibited until proof of immunization or the waiver of vaccination is received. Once proof of immunization is received, Health Services reviews, records, and electronically transmits immunization records to the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals. If it is determined that vaccinations are required, a registration hold will be placed on the student’s record and the student will be contacted regarding the required vaccination(s).
In the event of an outbreak of measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, or meningococcal disease, Health Services will identify any students who submitted waivers of vaccination and instruct those students to leave campus until the outbreak is over or proof of immunization is submitted. This action will be coordinated with the Office of Academic Affairs, Office of the Registrar and Admissions, Office of Student Services, and McNeese Police.
This policy is distributed via the Academic Catalog, the University Policies webpage, and admissions/recruiting materials.