Pre-Registration Immunization Requirements
During the 2007 South Dakota Legislative Session, the Legislature
passed a bill to require all students enrolled in post-secondary institutions to
furnish evidence of immunity to selected diseases. The bill was signed into law
by Governor Michael Rounds on March 1st, 2007 and became effective on
July 1st, 2008. A protective measure that reflects recommendations
issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this statute was
designed to minimize the possibility of disease outbreaks within our campus
communities. To assure consistency with state law, the South Dakota Board of
Regents tailored its existing immunization policy in June 2008.
The statute applies to every student (graduate and undergraduate)
who has been admitted to a post-secondary institution - either public or private
– in the state of South Dakota. It states that all students who meet
established criteria are obliged to demonstrate immunity to measles, mumps, and
rubella. Relevant criteria (the key factors which drive the need for
compliance) are delineated below:
8
Age: students born on or after January 1, 1957 must comply; those born prior to
this date are excused.
8
Course schedule: students who register for two or more credit-bearing classes –
and at least one course involves face-to-face contact on a weekly basis for
multiple weeks – are obliged to comply. This includes participation at all
campuses and centers (including University Center, Capital University Center,
and West River Higher Learning Center).
8
Academic background: students who have completed prior collegiate course work
in the state of South Dakota (initiated prior to July 1, 2008) are
excused from compliance. Note: credits earned through distance learning, dual
credit agreements, and exam/validation do not qualify.
Acceptable evidence of immunity to each disease includes:
q
Immunization record which specifies administration of two doses of vaccine
q
Medical laboratory report that verifies presence of disease-specific antibodies
in the blood (i.e., positive blood titer)
q
Documentation of disease state as diagnosed by a qualified physician
In accordance
with state law, students who neglect to supply this evidence in a timely fashion
will be administratively withdrawn from classes.
The law recognizes that special circumstances may preclude ability to
demonstrate compliance as detailed above. Those students for whom vaccination
presents a threat to health/well-being and those who adhere to a religious
doctrine that opposes immunizations may petition for a permanent exemption or
temporary waiver as appropriate. Please note: the statute does not
allow for philosophical objections.
Meningitis
vaccinations are not required, but are highly recommended.
This
documentation may be accomplished by either a State Health Department
certificate, or it may be included as part of the institution's physical exam
report.
For more information contact...
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
Surbeck Center
501 E. St. Joseph
Rapid City, SD 57701-3995
Work Phone (605)394-2416
FAX (605) 394-2914
Contact: SDSM&T VP Student Affairs & Dean of Students
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