Vaccine Policy
Required Immunizations
As part of the enrollment process at Saint Mary's, students will need to provide proof of immunization against certain viruses. The College requires the following immunizations:
- Tetanus
- Hepatitis B
- Varicella
- MMR
- Meningitis
- COVID-19, including booster
The College strongly recommends the following immunizations:
- Hepatitis A
- HPV
COVID-19 Vaccination
Our ability to come together for in-person instruction depends on suppressing the spread of COVID-19 in our community. The broad immunization of our student body will be critical to achieving this goal. Because we are a congregate residential community, we must take every step available to prevent this highly infectious disease. Therefore, we have added the COVID-19 vaccine, including a booster, to the list of required immunizations. To read more about this decision, click here.
Immunization Exemption
We know a small percentage of students will have concerns about vaccinations, be it for medical or religious reasons. Saint Mary's will make every effort to accommodate a verified exemption, providing the request is submitted according to the following process:
Medical Exemptions
Students with medical conditions that contraindicate receiving a single specific vaccine or all vaccines must submit supporting documentation from their healthcare provider in order to receive an exemption from immunization.
A student must email the Health and Counseling Center at hccenter@saintmarys.edu to request a document that they will then give to their health care provider. It outlines the requirements for medical exemptions for an immunization(s) and advises the provider what information is needed by the College, and how it should be submitted.
Religious Exemptions
Religious exemptions from vaccination requirements will not be considered for a single vaccine, given that many of the required vaccinations by the College share development, testing, and manufacturing processes. Students requesting an exemption for religious reasons for all vaccination requirements must email the Health and Counseling Center at hccenter@saintmarys.edu to request a document outlining the steps and requirements for a religious exemption. These requirements include a personally written, detailed letter explaining the basis for their objection to immunization(s), along with supporting documentation from an official representative from their religious or faith organization.
All documents required to support the request for exemption from immunization must be submitted at least six weeks prior to the start of the academic term.
Upon receiving the required documentation, the request for an exemption will be evaluated by members of the vaccination exemption committee.
Students will be notified of the decision via email or phone call by a member of the committee.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding COVID-19 Immunization Exemptions
+Does Saint Mary’s College require students to be vaccinated for COVID-19?
+Will there be exceptions allowed for the COVID-19 vaccine?
+What is the exception request process?
+When is the last day to request an exemption, in order to start classes on time?
+Why is Saint Mary’s requiring students to receive the vaccine?
+Are faculty and staff required to be vaccinated?
+How can students prove they have been vaccinated?