Student Immunizations
Required Immunizations
The State of NC requires all students entering institutions of higher learning to present an official vaccination record, within 30 days of registration. The statute applies to all students except students residing off-campus and registering for any combination of:
- Off-campus courses
- Evening courses (classes beginning after 5 m.)
- Weekend courses
- No more than four-day credits in on-campus courses
- Have submitted the Medical Exemption Statement form completed by a physician.
- Have a signed statement from student requesting religious exemptions.
If at any time the above student status changes to: on-campus courses, course load of more than four (4) credits, on-campus residence, and/or enrollment in day-time courses, a Certificate of Immunization or record of immunization must be presented on or before the first day of class of the semester.
| Vaccine | Number Doses Required Before School Entry* |
|---|---|
| Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis opens a new window | 3 doses 1 dose must be a current Tdap |
| Polio opens a new window | 3 doses |
| Measles opens a new window | 2 doses (or titer if not vaccine) |
| Mumps opens a new window | 2 doses (or titer if no vaccine) |
| Rubella opens a new window | 1 dose (or titer if no vaccine) |
| Hepatitis B (Hep B) opens a new window | 3 doses if born after July 1, 1994 |
| Varicella opens a new window< | 1 dose (or titer if no vaccine) if born on or after April 1, 2001 |
| Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) opens a new window | 2 doses or 1 dose if given after age 16 years |
*The Health Science programs have additional requirements for vaccinations, please reference each program
Tuberculin (Test Results): Any student entering in the Health Science programs must show a TB skin test before entering into the programs.
How to Find Your Immunization Records
- Contact your pediatrician’s office or family physician’s office
- Contact your High School and request them with your transcripts.
- Contact your local health department.
- For transfer students, contact your student health center from your previous college/university.
- Military records are acceptable, but may not contain all of the required immunizations.
- Ask your parent, guardian or medical provider if he/she has any record of your childhood immunizations.
- Titer tests to see if you have antibodies.
- North Carolina does have a central registry of immunization received while in the State of North Carolina. Contact the Immunization Coordinator at 910.630.7164 for assistance in obtaining these records.
Recommended Vaccines
COVID-19
Methodist University highly recommends COVID vaccination as the optimal way to avoid getting this disease. FDA-authorized vaccines include Pfizer-BioNTech (two shots), Johnson & Johnson (one shot), and Moderna (two shots).
Students should check with their program advisors as COVID vaccinations may be necessary for particular off-campus experiences, such as internships, practicums, field experiences, and/or clinical placements.
Requesting Immunization and/or Health Records
Students must provide written authorization for medical records to be released from the Health Center. The medical release form is located below.