Immunizations

Student getting an immunization by a nurse practitionerMiami University (Oxford campus) requires several vaccines and strongly encourages others. Incoming students must submit documentation as evidence of these immunizations. The deadline for fall semester is August 1 for students starting in summer or fall and January 15 for students starting in Winter Term or spring.

International students do not need to submit the immunization form electronically by the deadline. Instead, they should bring documentation of their vaccine records to orientation.

The following vaccines are required for Miami University Oxford students: 

  • Tdap: One (1) adult dose in the last 10 years
  • Hepatitis B: Three (3) doses of Hepatitis B OR lab report confirming immunity
  • MMR: Two (2) doses of MMR (second one must have occurred on or after first birthday) OR Two (2) doses of Measles, Two (2) doses Mumps, and One (1) dose of Rubella OR lab reporting confirming immunity for each. 
  • Varicella: Two (2) doses of varicella OR Lab report confirming immunity
  • Polio: Three (3) or more doses of IPV or OPV. If the third dose of either series was received prior to the fourth birthday, a fourth (4) dose is required. If a combination of OPV and IPV was received, four doses of either vaccine are required.
  • Meningococcal conjugate (ACWY)*: One (1) dose since age 16.

The following vaccine is strongly recommended (but not required) for Miami Oxford and Miami Regionals students:

  • COVID-19: Completion of both doses of the Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine (also known as Comirnaty), Moderna (two doses) or Johnson and Johnson (one dose), or another vaccine approved by the World Health Organization (WHO). We also recommend students stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters on the schedule recommended by the CDC.

While Miami University no longer has a COVID-19 vaccination policy, students involved in off campus experiences with outside organizations may be required to be fully vaccinated to comply with said organizations' immunization requirements.

In addition to these required immunizations, screenings for tuberculosis will be required for the following: 

  • New international students.
  • Any student returning from travel to a high-risk country for greater than 6 weeks (as determined from the CDC data).

High Burden Countries by the CDC

  • Afghanistan
  • Angola
  • Bangladesh
  • Brazil
  • Cambodia
  • Central African Republic
  • China
  • Congo
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • DPR Korea (North)
  • DR Congo
  • Ethiopia
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Kenya
  • Lesotho
  • Liberia
  • Mozambique
  • Myanmar
  • Namibia
  • Nigeria
  • North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic)
  • Pakistan
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Philippines
  • Russian Federation
  • Sierra Leone
  • South Africa
  • Tanzania (United Republic)
  • Thailand
  • Uganda
  • UR Tanzania
  • Viet Nam
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe

Verified 4/1/22

*The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that college students under the age of 25 consult with their health care provider about obtaining the Meningococcal B vaccination in addition to the Meningococcal ACWY vaccination.

Submitting Documentation

There are three steps to completing your required immunization documentation. 

  1. Download the Immunization Documentation form, then print or send electronically to the licensed healthcare provider(s) who has a record of your immunization history. We will also accept immunization reports printed from the provider, but it must include an office logo or stamp. 
  2. Complete the electronic Proof of Immunization form. You will need record of your general immunizations from your healthcare provider.
    1. If you have multiple documents to upload, be sure to select all of them when the pop-up window opens. Hold the control (PC) or command (Mac) button to select more than one file. JPG, PNG, or PDF are accepted; the HEIC file format common for high definition iPhone pictures cannot be opened by our clinical systems.
    2. Complete the form in one sitting. You will not be able to save your progress and return to finish it later. 
  3. Submit your form by using the "Request" button at the bottom. Your responses will be reviewed by a healthcare staff member, and you will be notified if you are missing any documentation. 

The process for requesting an exemption for one or more vaccines is also through the Proof of Immunization form. 

International students do not need to submit the immunization form electronically by the deadline. Instead, they should bring documentation of their vaccine records to orientation.

FAQs

Who needs to complete this process?

All Miami students on the Oxford campus must complete this process. The Proof of Immunization form will guide you through what is required for you in your situation.

Why is Miami making me send in this information?

Miami prioritizes students’ safety and wellness; having access to this information allows us to respond quickly should there be an outbreak of a communicable disease.

Is this information private and who will have access to it?

Yes, your information is FERPA-protected and will only be reviewed by a small team of healthcare professionals and Miami administrators directly involved in immunization compliance.

Do I have to use the Immunization Documentation form or can I submit an alternative format?

We highly recommend you use the documentation form provided to expedite the review and processing of your records. However, you are permitted to submit alternative documentation if need be.

What if I am taking all online courses this year?

If you are taking all online courses, you can skip step one of the three-step process and just complete the virtual form. There is space on the Proof of Immunization form to indicate your status as an online-only student that will exempt you from the process for this semester. If your status changes in future semesters, you will be required to upload your vaccine documentation to remain in compliance with this policy.

What if I am taking classes in person but not on campus (e.g. in Columbus or Cincinnati)?

If you are not taking any physical classes on campus (and will not be physically present on campus for any other reason), you can skip step one of the three-step process and just complete the Proof of Immunization form. There is space on the form to indicate your status that will exempt you from the process for this semester. If your status changes in future semesters, you will be required to upload your vaccine documentation to remain in compliance with this policy.

Can I request an exemption from some vaccines and not others?

Yes. The Proof of Immunization form will allow you to select which immunizations you intend to request an exemption from and which you have received. 

Where can I find the exemption form?

The exemption form is actually through the Proof of Immunization form.

What does the exemption process entail? 

Non-medical Exemptions

For non-medical exemptions, you must include a personal written statement detailing why you are requesting this exemption, outlining the religious, philosophical, or ethical beliefs that you feel prohibit you from receiving the required immunizations.

You will also be asked to agree to the following statements:

  • I request exemption from the university’s immunization requirement due to my sincere religious beliefs or for reasons of conscience (philosophical or ethical reasons). I understand and assume the risks of non-vaccination.
  • I accept full responsibility for my health, and the risk of serious illness and even death due to lack of vaccination and release Miami University from any and all responsibility and liability.
  • I agree to comply with these restrictions and accept responsibility for communicating with faculty and advisors as appropriate to allow compliance with health and safety requirements for unvaccinated individuals.
  • I further understand that restrictions from University facilities, including but not limited to classes and living spaces, does not entitle me to any reduction in tuition, housing charges, or other University fees.
  • I certify that the information I have provided on and in connection with this request is accurate and complete as of the date of this submission. I understand this exemption may be revoked and I may be subject to disciplinary action if any false information has been used to request an exemption.

Medical Exemptions

For medical exemptions, you must upload medical documentation. The documentation should not be more than 6 months old and should be signed by a licensed healthcare provider, not related to the submitter, and whose specialty is appropriate to the associated condition. This documentation must include the student's legal name, student's date of birth, and for what vaccine(s) the exemption is being sought.

You will also be asked to agree to the following statements:

  • I request exemption from the university’s immunization requirements due to my current medical condition. I understand and assume the risks of non-vaccination.
  • I accept full responsibility for my health, and the risk of serious illness and even death due to lack of vaccination and release Miami University from any and all responsibility and liability.
  • I agree to comply with these restrictions and accept responsibility for communicating with faculty and advisors as appropriate to allow compliance with health and safety requirements for unvaccinated individuals.
  • I further understand that restrictions from University facilities, including but not limited to classes and living spaces, does not entitle me to any reduction in tuition, housing charges, or other University fees.
  • I understand that this exemption will expire when the medical condition(s) contraindicating vaccination changes in a manner which permits vaccination.
  • I authorize my licensed health care provider to provide Miami University with medical information about my medical exemption.
  • I certify that the information I have provided on and in connection with this request is accurate and complete as of the date of this submission. I understand this exemption may be revoked and I may be subject to disciplinary action if any false information has been used to request an exemption.

Routine Immunizations

Routine immunizations are available at the Student Health Service. Routine immunizations include:

  • COVID-19
  • Influenza (flu shot)
  • Hepatitis B
  • HPV
  • Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
  • PPD (Tuberculin skin test)
  • TD (Tetanus Diphtheria)
  • Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap)
  • Varicella
  • Meningococcal (AWCY) - Menactra
  • Meningococcal Sero Group B (Trumemba and Bexsero)

Call 513-529-3000 to schedule an appointment.

Risks and Benefits of Immunizations

Visit the Center for Disease Control's Vaccine Safety page for information about immunization safety, benefits and risks. 

Travel Immunizations

Travel vaccines include all routine vaccinations and the following:

  • Hepatitis A (Havrix)
  • Hepatitis A & B (Twinrix)
  • Injectable Polio (IPOL)
  • Japanese Encephalitis
  • Typhoid
  • Yellow Fever