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12.1: Requirements
NS requires proof of the required immunizations listed in this section for three groups of students: 1) new first-time and transfer students whose entry term at NS is Fall 2025 or later, 2) discontinued students returning after a gap of two or more consecutive semesters, and 3) any students, regardless of academic standing, status, or starting term, who are approved to live in campus residential housing. These groups must provide proof that they have received the following immunizations by the beginning of the Fall 2025 term.
1. Two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The first dose must be on or after the student’s first birthday.
2. One dose of the tetanus/diphtheria (Td or TDAP) vaccine, taken in the last 10 years.
3. Incoming first-year students who are under 23 years old must provide proof of immunization for The meningococcal vaccine must have been administered when the student was 16 years of age or older.
a. The meningococcal vaccine must target serogroups A, C, W, and Y; examples include Menactra or Menveo (MenACYW-135).
b. Vaccines that target serogroup B, such as Bexero or Trumemba (MENG B) and HIB Meningitis vaccines, do not fulfill the meningococcus immunization requirement.
c. If a student is not sure whether their meningococcal vaccine fulfills this requirement, they should contact the Office of the Registrar for more information.
Students should contact their medical provider or a Southern Nevada Health District Vaccination Clinic to schedule any needed immunizations.
12.2 Changes to Required Immunizations
Students are required to show proof of immunization against any other disease specified by the State Board of Health, unless the student qualifies for an exemption. Information about immunization requirements will be distributed to students as they are mandated.
Required immunizations are subject to change according to federal and state law. If additional immunization requirements are imposed by law after a student has enrolled at NS, the student must provide updated documentation in a timely manner indicating they have met the new immunization requirements. The University may set deadlines for presenting updated documentation; students who do not meet these deadlines will not be allowed to register or enroll for the following term.
12.3 Acceptable Proof of Immunization
The following are accepted by NS as proof of immunization:
– A childhood immunization card signed by a physician or nurse, which includes the vaccinating facility name and address.
– High school or college records that document immunizations.
– Military, state, or county records that document immunizations.
– A lab report that indicates immunity (e.g., titer test for measles, mumps, and rubella).
– Health department records that document immunizations.
12.4 Submitting Immunization Records
Students must submit proof of immunization by following the instructions at https://nevadastate.edu/immunizations/.
The Office of the Registrar will retain immunization documentation for all matriculated students (those who have enrolled and begun attendance) and will retain the records for three fiscal years after the fiscal year of graduation or for three fiscal years after the year of the student’s last term of active enrollment.
12.5 Failure to Provide Proof of Immunization
Students who do not submit all required immunization documentation will not be allowed to register or enroll in classes at NS. Students approved to live in campus residential housing will not be issued a key until required immunization documentation is received.
If the health authority determines that there is a case of a communicable disease against which immunity is required for admission, and a student who has not submitted proof of immunity to that disease is attending Nevada State, the president shall require that:
1. The student be immunized, or
2. The student be excluded from NS until allowed to return by the health authority.
12.6 Exemptions
A student will not be required to provide proof of immunization if they have received approval for one of these exemptions:
1. Religious: The student (or, if the student is a minor, the student’s parent or guardian) submits a written statement indicating that the student’s religious beliefs prohibit immunization.
2. Medical: The student (or, if the student is a minor, the student’s parent or guardian) submits a statement written by a licensed physician who has examined and/or treated the student, stating that the student has a medical condition that prevents them from being immunized.
3. Online: The student is enrolled only in online/distance education programs and does not attend any class sessions on campus.
Exemption forms should be submitted by following the instructions at https://nevadastate.edu/immunizations/. Exemption forms will be kept on file for three fiscal years after the fiscal year of graduation or for three fiscal years after the year of the student’s last term of active enrollment.
In the case of a public health outbreak, non-immunized students will not be admitted onto campus (including residential housing associated with the University), regardless of exemption status. Such removals do not warrant a refund of tuition, fees, or expenses related to housing.
12.7 Additional Required Immunizations for Specific Programs
Students enrolled in health care or teacher education programs are required to provide documentation of immunization and health screenings (such as a tuberculosis test) as established by state licensing agencies or clinical or fieldwork placement sites.
Academic programs or campus-sponsored activities may require additional immunizations if students may be at increased risk of exposure (for example, during study abroad programs).
Students should contact the specific program supervisor for information on additional required immunizations or screenings.
12.8 Additional Recommended Immunizations
Based on American College Health Association guidelines, NS also recommends that students be immunized against the following:
– Influenza (flu).
– Pertussis (whooping cough).
– Varicella (chickenpox).
– Hepatitis A.
– Hepatitis B.
– Human papillomavirus (HPV).
– COVID-19.
Students should contact a medical care provider or a Southern Nevada Health District Vaccination Clinic to discuss appropriate immunization schedules and any medical conditions that might prevent them from receiving a particular immunization.
12.9 Related Information
– Medical or Religion Exemption Request
– American College Health Association (ACHA) Immunization Recommendations for College Students, May 2024
– Nevada Administrative Code 755
– Southern Nevada Health District Vaccination Clinics
12.9.1 Revision History
– Approved by Dr. Sarah Frey on 7/17/2024 and President DeRionne Pollard on 7/17/2024.