Exemptions from Immunizations
Students granted vaccine exemptions will be able to attend classes and events on campus.
A student may be granted a medical or religious exemption from immunization requirements. Medical exemptions are completed by a licensed physician or nurse practitioner, or licensed midwife caring for a pregnant student. If an outbreak of Measles, Mumps, Rubella, or COVID-19 occurs, students who have not provided proof of immunity to the circulating diseases may be prohibited from accessing campus. To apply for exemptions, students must complete the appropriate exemption form(s), print, sign, and upload the completed form to the University’s confidential Patient Portal.
Failure to Comply
Students who fail to provide proof of immunization or secure an immunization exemption as described above will not be permitted to physically access campus.
Medical Exemptions
When applying for a medical exemption, the student must complete the Medical Exemption Form. The form, must include a written certification by a licensed physician or nurse practitioner, or a licensed midwife caring for pregnancy that one or more of the required immunization(s) may be detrimental to your health. The immunization requirement may be waived until it no longer poses a health problem. The statement must specify which immunization poses the health risk, and include the length of time for the exemption. The medical exemption policy and forms are available below.
Medical Exemption to Immunization Policy
Students with a health condition that is a valid contraindication to receiving a specific vaccine may apply for a medical exemption. The exemption will either be permanent or temporary (for resolvable conditions such as pregnancy). To apply for a medical exemption, the student must have the Medical Exemption Form completed and signed by a health care provider. The health provider must specify those immunizations which may be detrimental and the length of time they may be detrimental. Completed forms should be uploaded through the University's confidential Patient Portal.
In the event of an outbreak, Pace University may exclude a student with a medical exemption from vaccination from accessing campus.
Students with temporary medical exemptions will be reviewed periodically to see if contraindications still exist.
Request for Medical Exemption: NYS Immunizations (PDF)
Religious Exemptions
When applying for a religious exemption, the student must complete the Religious Exemption Form. The request must include a statement that describes the beliefs in sufficient detail to permit the institution to determine that (1) the beliefs are religious in nature (not philosophical or political) and (2) the beliefs are genuinely and sincerely held. The religious exemption policy and form are available here.
Religious Exemption to Immunization Policy
A student must submit a written statement that they hold religious beliefs contrary to the practice of immunization in order to qualify for a religious exemption. Students under 18 years old must submit such a statement signed by his/her parent(s) or guardian(s) to qualify for religious exemption.
This statement must demonstrate that the student, or their parent(s) or guardian(s) holds sincere and genuine religious beliefs which are contrary to the practice of immunization. Each statement requesting a religious exemption must be specific to Pace University. Prior religious exemption statements addressed to other institutions are not considered valid. Public Health Law Section 2165 does not allow for philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological exemptions.
When a religious exemption is requested, Pace University may require additional supporting documentation. You will be notified of the outcome of this request.
Please provide a written statement addressing all of the following elements:
- Explain, in your own words, why you are requesting this religious exemption.
- Describe the religious principles that guide your objection to immunization.
- Indicate whether you are opposed to all immunizations, and if not, the religious basis that prohibits particular immunizations.
Your name, U ID #, and date of birth must be clearly printed on the top of your letter. Sign the bottom if you are over 18 years old; if younger than 18 please have your parents sign the letter.
In the event of an outbreak, Pace University may exclude a student with religious exemptions from vaccination from accessing campus.