Immunization Requirements
University students born after January 1, 1957 must show proof of two MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccines, the first administered no earlier than 4 days prior to the first birthday, and the second at least 28 calendar days after the first dose. If you cannot locate MMR vaccine records, you may submit titer blood test results showing immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella. This requirement applies to all students (undergraduate, graduate, and extended studies).
All students living on campus: In addition to the 2 MMR vaccines required for all students, those living on campus must have a Meningitis (type ACWY) vaccine given within the last three years (you may decline the meningitis vaccine by signing and submitting the Waiver for College/University Entry included with your housing contract, but you may be subject to exclusion from campus in the event of an outbreak).
Clinical Nursing Students and Clinical Athletic Training Students: 2 MMR vaccines, 3 Hepatitis B vaccines (Clinical Athletic Training students may meet this requirement by submitting a positive titer) or a positive titer, 2 Varicella vaccines or a positive titer, TDAP within the last 10 years, and a recent TB test.
If you wish to request an exemption from immunization, there are two ways to do this:
Immunization Requirements
Please note: If you file for an exemption from a required immunization (e.g., MMR or meningitis) and there is an outbreak of that disease on campus, you may be subject to exclusion from campus and classes for at least 21 days after the last known case. In addition, tuition may not be refunded, and if you are living in student housing you will be required to find alternate housing at your expense for the period of your quarantine.
A “Certificate of Medical or Nonmedical Exemption” can be downloaded from CDPHE Vaccine Exemption page. This document should be completed by the student (or by the parent or guardian, if the student is under 18) and signed by their immunizing health care provider. Upload this document into your Admissions portal. Your exemption must be signed by a provider licensed in Colorado.
Complete the Online Immunization Education Module. The link can be found on the Vaccine Exemption page. The online education module is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. At the completion of the module, you will be given the option to print or save the completion certificate. The certificate will populate the name, date and time that this process was completed and will not require a signature from an immunizing health care provider. Upload the completed certificate into your Admissions portal.
Don’t Forget Your Immunization Records
Under Colorado law (C.R.S. 25-4-901), all students are required to submit proof of immunizations or a valid exemption.
At UNC, you’ll need to complete this step before you can meet with your academic advisor and register for classes.
If your records aren’t submitted, a hold will be placed on your account that will prevent class registration.
You can upload your immunization records or submit an exemption here.
Registration
If you do not have a copy of your immunization record, your healthcare provider can use the form below to fill out the dates of your vaccines (this form is not required if you have other documents showing proof of vaccination).
If you do not have a copy of your vaccination record, we recommend the following:
- Calling your high school or previous university, if applicable.
- Contacting your previous healthcare provider(s).
- Looking through old papers at home, including baby books and school or camp forms. If you’re an adult, ask your parents if they still have your childhood records.
- Contacting state or local IIS (or registry) – All states and some cities have centralized registries of vaccine records. These may not include all ages or all records, but this is a good place to check. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists registry contacts and websites at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/iis/contacts-locaterecords.html.
- Contacting previous employers, including the military.
- Contacting your local health department. To get the phone number of your local health department, call the CDC Information Contact Center at 800-CDCINFO (232-4636).
If you cannot locate records, please email debra.miller@unco.edu to receive information regarding your options.
Upload your records through your Admissions Portal as soon as possible.
Once submitted, please allow at least 3 business days for our team to review your information.
To check if your records have been processed and your registration hold removed:
- Log in to Ursa, click on the Student tab, and then select Registration Status.
Meningitis Vaccine Information
Meningococcal meningitis is a serious and highly contagious illness that can progress quickly and may be fatal within 24 hours. College students are at higher risk, especially those living in student housing.
The good news: Immunization significantly lowers your risk.
If you’re living in UNC student housing, the State of Colorado requires that you have a meningococcal ACWY vaccine given within the last five years. You can meet this requirement in one of two ways:
- Upload documentation of a meningococcal ACWY vaccine administered in the last 5 years, or
- Sign the Waiver for College/University Entry included with your housing contract.
Be sure to submit your documentation before move-in week in August or January.
Important: In the event of a meningitis outbreak that requires vaccination, any student without proof of immunization may be excluded from campus and subject to quarantine, even if they previously signed a waiver.
The meningitis B vaccine isn’t required by the state, but it’s recommended for many college students. We encourage you to talk with your healthcare provider to see if it’s right for you.
Need vaccine? We offer FREE meningitis vaccines at the University Health Clinic—thanks to the generous support of Sierra’s Race Against Meningitis.
To learn more or to donate, visit: Sierra’s Race Against Meningitis.
Need Vaccines? The University Health Clinic Can Help!
Recommended Vaccines for College Students
The American College Health Association, the Center for Disease Control and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices have developed a list of recommended vaccines for all college students. We encourage all students to consult with their healthcare providers before arriving on campus for individualized medical feedback about recommended vaccines.
COVID-19 Vaccine
The COVID-19 vaccination is not required but is recommended.
Required Tuberculosis Testing
If you are a student who has lived in or has traveled to a country with high incidence of tuberculosis (TB), you are required to have a blood test that screens for tuberculosis (TB). The University Health Clinic can complete the required testing (If you are on the UNC Insurance Plan, the cost is only $20, but only at the Clinic on campus). If you decide to have the blood test done at your doctor’s office, the test you will need is called a Quantiferon TB test. Complete the screening form in your admissions portal. For more information, please call 970-351-1919 or email debra.miller@unco.edu.