Medical Compliance Requirements

While not part of the admissions requirements or procedures, to comply with Florida Administrative Code 6C-6.001 (4), all students prior to registration must submit a UNF Immunization Form. All students born after 1956 must submit documented proof of immunity to Measles and Rubella. To comply with Florida statute 1006.69, all new matriculating students must submit documentation of vaccination against Hepatitis B and Meningococcal Meningitis or sign a waiver for each vaccine. Acceptable documentation is as follows:

Meningococcal Meningitis is an infection of the fluid of the spinal cord and brain, caused by bacteria and usually spread through exchange of respiratory and throat secretions (i.e. coughing, kissing).  Bacterial meningitis can be quite severe and may result in brain damage, hearing loss, learning disability, or even death. A vaccine is currently available for one of the most severe forms of bacterial meningitis, meningococcus. This vaccine effectively provides immunity for most forms of meningococcus; there is no vaccine for the less severe viral type of meningitis.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver caused primarily by contact with blood and other body fluids from infected persons. Hepatitis B vaccine can provide immunity against Hepatitis B infection for persons at significant risk, including people who have received blood products containing the virus through transfusions, drug use, tattoos, or body piercing; people who have sex with multiple partners or with someone who is infected with the virus; and health care workers and people exposed to biomedical waste.

Measles (Rubeola) 

Students can be considered compliant for Measles only if they have documentation of one of the following:  

1. Official documentation of immunization with TWO (2) doses of live Measles virus vaccine on or after the first birthday and at least 28 days apart. Persons vaccinated with killed or unknown vaccine prior to 1968 must be revaccinated. 
2. Laboratory (serologic) evidence of Measles immunity titer. 
3. A written, dated statement, signed by a physician on his/her stationery, that specifies the date seen, and stating that the person has had an illness characterized by a generalized rash lasting three (3) or more days, a fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or greater, a cough and conjunctivitis, and in the physician’s opinion, is diagnosed to have the ten-day measles (Rubeola). 

Measles is a highly contagious acute viral infection characterized by a rash, cough, runny nose, eye irritation, and fever. It is extremely communicable and is spread by droplets from the nose and mouth of an infected person to susceptible individuals. Measles can lead to ear infection, pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, or even death. In recent years in the U.S., outbreaks have occurred most commonly in adolescents and young adults, including college students. Receiving two doses of the live measles vaccine can provide long-lasting immunity. 

Rubella (German Measles) 

Students can be considered compliant for Rubella only if they have documentation of at least one of the following: 

1. Documentation of immunization with live Rubella virus vaccine on or after the first birthday. 
2. Laboratory (serologic) evidence of Rubella immunity titer. 

Rubella is a contagious viral infection that causes a rash, mild fever, and stiff joints in adults. A woman who gets rubella while pregnant could have a miscarriage or her baby could be born with serious birth defects. Its incidence is low in the U.S. due to the increased number of childhood vaccinations against the disease; however, outbreaks continue to occur in susceptible populations, including college students.  The vaccination for rubella produces antibodies in over 95% of recipients.

Mumps is an acute viral infection characterized by muscle ache, tiredness, loss of appetite, headache, and fever, followed by swelling of salivary glands. The parotid salivary glands (which are located within your cheek, near your jaw line, below your ears) are most frequently affected. Transmission of mumps virus occurs by direct contact with respiratory droplets, saliva, or contact with contaminated fomites.  Complications of mumps infection can include deafness, inflammation of the testicles, ovaries, or breasts, and spontaneous abortion.  In recent years in the U.S., the majority of cases reported occurred among adolescents and young adults, including college students.

Exemptions 

1. Students seeking an exemption due to medical conditions must submit documentation from the attending physician.  
2. Students seeking an exemption for religious reasons must submit a letter explaining the circumstances.
3. In the event of a Measles/Rubella emergency, exempted students will be excluded from all campus activities until such time as is specified by the County Health Unit. 

Please contact the UNF Office of Medical Compliance for additional information.