Skip to Main Content

Immunization Requirement

New York State Public Health Law requires immunization against measles, mumps, and rubella for some students. All students born on or after January 1, 1957, who are enrolling for six or more equated credits, must have proof of immunization on file at the College Health Center, Campus Center (1C), Room 112, one week prior to registration. Transfer students must request that their health records be transferred to CSI. Information and the immunization forms are available at the Health Center and at the Registrar’s Office. 

New York State Public Health Law 2167 requires that all college and university students be informed of the meningococcal disease, a potentially fatal bacterial infection commonly referred to as meningitis. The College of Staten Island is required to maintain a record of the following for each student:

  • A response to receipt of meningococcal disease and vaccine information signed by the student or if a student is under the age of 18, by the student’s parent or guardian. The information provided to you must include information on the availability and cost of meningococcal meningitis vaccine (Menomune™);

    AND EITHER

  • A record of meningococcal meningitis immunization within the past ten years;

    OR

  • An acknowledgment of meningococcal disease risks and refusal of meningococcal meningitis immunization signed by the student or if a student is under the age of 18, by the student’s parent or guardian.

Meningitis is rare. However, when it strikes, its flu-like symptoms make diagnosis difficult. If not treated early, meningitis can lead to an increase in fluid surrounding the brain and spinal column as well as severe and permanent disabilities, such as hearing loss, brain damage, seizures, limb amputation, and even death. Cases of meningitis among teens and young adults 15 to 24 years of age (the age of most college students) have more than doubled since 1991. The disease strikes about 3,000 Americans each year and claims about 300 lives. Between 100 and 125 meningitis cases occur on college campuses and as many as 15 students will die from the disease. A vaccine is available that protects against four types of the bacteria that cause meningitis in the United States: types A, C, Y, and W-135. These types account for nearly two-thirds of meningitis cases among college students. The College of Staten Island does not offer meningococcal immunization. The meningitis vaccine is provided at the New York City Department of Health Travelers’ clinics, wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/contentFindClinic.aspx. The meningitis vaccine may or may not be covered by insurance. The vaccine cost is approximately $75. The Ryan Chelsea Clinton Community Center, 645 Tenth Avenue (between 45th and 46th) New York, NY 10036, 212.265.4500, offers the meningitis vaccine at a low and affordable cost. Note: Per public health law, the College may not permit any student to attend the institution in excess of 30 days without complying with this law.

To learn more about meningitis and the vaccine, please consult your physician. You can also find information about the disease at:

The College Health Center’s Website:

https://www.csi.cuny.edu/campus-life/student-services/health-and-wellness-services

New York State Department of Health Website:

www.health.state.ny.us/prevention/immunization/index.htm

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Websites:

wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentFindClinic.aspx and www.cdc.gov/DiseasesConditions

American College Health Association (ACHA) Website:

www.acha.org/projects_programs/meningitis/disease_info.cfm#overview

and the National Meningitis Association (NMA), Website: www.nmaus.org