I. Scope
This policy and related procedures are applicable to all George Mason University students who attend one or more classes on any of George Mason University’s campuses. This includes part-time, full-time, degree, non-degree, international, domestic students, and and employees enrolled in classes.
This policy does not apply to students who take online courses only and do not come to any campus, or to students who apply for a statutory exemption.
II. Policy Statement
All students born after December 31, 1956 must provide proof of compliance with immunization requirements mandated by the Commonwealth of Virginia and George Mason University.
In accordance with the Code of Virginia § 23.1-800, all students must be immunized by vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles (rubeola), German measles (rubella), mumps, Hepatitis B, and meningitis. All newly admitted students, re-enrolled students, and those students who have changed to on-campus students, must submit an Immunization Record to the Immunization Office at Student Health Services. All immunizations must be verified by documentation. Student Health Services may require students to submit supporting documentation of immunization records, and may require titers and/or vaccinations at the student’s expense. In accordance with Virginia Law, Students have the option of waiving out of the Hepatitis B and meningitis vaccine requirement after being informed of associated risks. Students may elect to opt out of the vaccination requirements for any disease based on a religious objection or a documented existing physical condition such that the vaccine is detrimental to the student’s health.
III. Compliance
The due date for the completed immunization record for each semester is available on the Student Health Services website and the official university calendar. Students that reside in housing provided by the University must comply with this immunization policy and submit immunization records in accordance with due dates established by Student Health Services. Students who do not complete provide immunization records by the due date will incur a late fee and a hold will be placed on their student account.
Students who have not been immunized (including due to a religious exemption or physical condition), may be prohibited from participating in university classes, activities, or residing in university residence halls during a public health emergency or epidemic of disease declared by federal, state, or local health authorities.
IV. Dates:
A. Effective Date:
This policy will become effective upon the date of approval by the Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance and the Provost and Executive Vice President.
B. Date of Most Recent Review:
July 16, 2019.
V. Timetable for Review
This policy, and any related procedures, shall be reviewed every three years or more frequently as needed.
VI. Signatures
Approved:
_____/S/__________
Senior Vice President for
Administration and Finance
_____/S/___________
Provost and Executive Vice President
Date Approved: July 20, 2015
Revised: July 16, 2019