Immunizations
Immunizations
Blithewood Gardens. Photo by Emily Hart
Important: Bard College submits an annual report to the New York State Department of Health and is subject to NY State immunization compliance audits. Students found in violation of any requirement via NY State audit will be billed the fine, which is currently $2,000.00.
Immunization Requirements at Bard
NY State Public Health Law 2165 requires that all undergraduate, graduate, and professional students attending a post-secondary institution must demonstrate proof of immunity against
measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR).
To meet these requirements, students must have had two MMR vaccines on or after their first birthday or provide proof of immunity with quantitative titers (blood tests).
NY State Public Health Law 2167 requires all colleges/universities to distribute information about
meningococcal disease and vaccination.
In accordance with this law, students are required to:
Provide proof of meningitis vaccination within the last 5 years (1 dose of meningococcal ACWY vaccine or a 2- or 3-dose series of MenB vaccine)
OR sign a waiver form refusing meningococcal vaccine
In addition, Bard
strongly encourages
all students, faculty and staff stay up-to-date for immunization against Covid-19 and influenza. As of March 2024, Bard is no longer requiring proof of Covid-19 vaccination.
All health intake forms and immunization records are due
July 1st
or 30 days prior to program start, whichever comes first.
Immunization records must be submitted in English and certified by a medical provider; if original documentation is not in English, a translated version must be provided by a certified medical translation service at the student’s expense.
Providing proof of immunization as above is a mandatory requirement and students missing this information will be blocked from registration for classes until complete.
Submit immunizations
Enter dates of vaccinations and upload supporting documentation via the
Student Portal
Immunization exemption policy
New York State ONLY permits the following exemptions for the Mumps, Measles and Rubella immunization requirement:
If you were born before January 1, 1957.
Students with a MEDICAL contraindication to a specific vaccine. Sufficient documentation must be submitted by the student's medical provider, stating the reason for the contraindication and an end date, if applicable.
Students with a strong RELIGIOUS conviction against vaccination. To request this exemption, a student is required to submit a signed statement that explains in their words why an exemption is requested and describes the religious principles that guide your objection to immunization. Please also indicate whether you are opposed to all immunizations, and if not all, the religious basis that prohibits particular immunizations. If the student is under 18 at the time of admission, the form will need to be signed by the parent/guardian, and the student will need to resubmit the documentation once they are 18 years old. Bard College requires that this form be notarized by a notary public, and may require additional supporting documents. This request may need to be reviewed by the NYS Department of Health prior to approval.
Please Note:
Health Services will notify applicants as to the approval or denial of the exemption request. If the request is denied, the notification will include specific reasons for denial. A denial can be appealed with the NYS Dept of Health Immunization Program within 30 days.
Philosophical, political, scientific, sociological or other objections to immunization do not justify an exemption under Department of Health regulation 10 NYCCR, Section 66- 2.2(e). This regulation also allows educational institutions to request additional documents in support of the request for religious exemption.
Department of Health regulation 10 NYCCR, Section 66-2.2 (e) can be found on the NY State Department of Health website.
In the event of a measles, mumps, or rubella case on campus, students who are not immunized will be required to receive the necessary vaccine, if possible, or leave campus for a period of time determined by the incubation period of the particular disease at their own expense.
View More > >
Bard MMR - Exemption Form 2024
Travel Immunizations
GET IN TOUCH
To book an appointment, please visit the
Student
Health Portal
or call us at
845-758-7433 during business hours.
For non-urgent inquiries, please email us at
[email protected]
and allow 1-2 business days for response.
For follow up questions after a visit to Health Services, you can email your provider directly through the
Student
Health Portal
Location and Hours
We are located in Robbins House Annex on North Campus with Counseling Services.
We are in the first white building on the left as you head down Robbins Road towards Manor and the Fisher Center.
Find us on the campus map
Phone:
845-758-7433
Fax:
845-758-7437
Email:
[email protected]
Hours:
Monday – Friday
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Emergency Services
After-Hours Emergencies
On campus call ext. 7777
Off campus dial 911, or go to the nearest Emergency Room
Emergency Services
Northern Dutchess Hospital
6511 Spring Brook Ave
Rhinebeck, NY 12572
Urgent Care Services
Optum Multi-Specialty Clinic - Rhinebeck
6734 U.S. 9, Rhinebeck, NY 12572
Optum Multi-Specialty Clinic - Kingston
1561 Ulster Ave, Lake Katrine, NY 12449
OrthoExpress - Kingston
Broken bones, sprains/strains, athletic injuries, etc.
918 Ulster Ave, Kingston, NY 12401
Phone: (845) 790-0457