51³Ô¹Ïstrongly supports the use of vaccines to protect the health of our individual students and our campus communities.

Immunizations offer safe and effective protection from vaccine-preventable diseases. The United States is experiencing re-emergence of these diseases, in part due to factors such as un-immunized and under-immunized persons and global travel. The 51³Ô¹Ï (ACHA) strongly supports the use of vaccines to protect the health of our individual students and our campus communities.

In recognition of the vital role that vaccine coverage plays in community immunity (herd immunity), 51³Ô¹Ïdiscourages non medical exemptions to required vaccines. Best practices for institutions of higher education include following recommendations for institutional pre-matriculation immunizations guidelines, encouraging students who request non medical waivers to be counseled by a health service clinician, and considering exclusion of unimmunized students from school during outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Adopted by the 51³Ô¹ÏExecutive Committee on behalf of the Board of Directors on April 15, 2014.

Topic
Immunizations, Patient Care & Services

Audience
Campus Executives, Community Based Organizations, Faculty/Researchers, Health & Wellness Center Administrators, Health Care Providers, Health Promotion Specialists, Mental Health Providers, Student Affairs, Students/Patients/Families

Resource Type
Organizational Position Statement

Publish Date
April 15, 2014