Immunizations FAQs

A: Yes, per the North Carolina Rules and Laws on Immunizations Statute § 130A-155.1, residential students and non-residential students are required to show documentation of immunization. Non-residential students are required to show documentation of immunization unless they qualify as exempt through a combination of the following:

A:  Students may be exempt from state immunization requirements if they attend courses that fit any combination of the following:

•        Only off campus courses

•        Only evening courses (after 5pm)

•        Weekend-only courses

•        No more than four day-credit hours in on campus courses (before 5:00 pm)

•        Received an approved medical exemption

•        Received a religious exemption

A: The following consequences apply for non-compliant students:

•        Disenrollment from the institution.

•        Block on class registration.

•        Per North Carolina state law, students will be WITHDRAWN FROM THE UNIVERSITY 30 days after classes begin if immunization requirements have not been met.

A: If a physician licensed to practice medicine in this State (must be North Carolina physician) certifies that a required immunization is or may be detrimental to a person’s health due to the presence of one of the contraindications adopted by the Commission, the person is not required to receive the specified immunization as long as the contraindication persists. The State Health Director may, upon request by a physician licensed to practice medicine in this State, grant a medical exemption to a required immunization for a contraindication not on the list adopted by the Commission. Please consult the North Carolina Immunizations for College/University Entry for Vaccine Exemptions in NC website.

Note: Students who seek a medical exemption form one or more vaccines should apply immediately. Students with a pending medical exemption request are NOT considered in compliance and may be withdrawn from the university.

If the bona fide religious beliefs of an adult or the parent, guardian or person in loco parentis of a child are contrary to the immunization requirements contained in this Part, the adult or the child shall be exempt from the requirements, per the North Carolina Rules and Laws on Immunizations Statute G.S.130A-157 (PDF). Upon submission of a written statement of the bona fide religious beliefs and opposition to the immunization requirements, the person may attend the college, university, school or facility without presenting a certificate of immunization.

There is no form for requesting religious exemptions in North Carolina. To claim a religious exemption, the parent or person requesting an exemption must write a statement of their religious objection to immunization, including the name and date of birth of the person for whom the exemption is being requested. This statement would then be provided to schools, childcare programs, camps, etc. in place of an immunization record. If a family is requesting a religious exemption for more than one child, a separate statement should be prepared for each child. Statements of religious objection to immunization do not need to be notarized, signed by a religious leader, or prepared by an attorney. NO AVAILABLE FORM FOR THIS REQUEST. They do not need to be submitted to the state for review or approval. Please consult the North Carolina Immunizations for College/University Entry for Vaccine Exemptions in NC website.

A: Students can contact their prior school or college, their medical provider, or their state immunization registry for documentation of immunizations. If students cannot locate documentation of immunizations, they should plan to repeat the series or provide serological proof of immunity prior to matriculation before the compliance deadline.

If records are incomplete or cannot be located, students may need to repeat some vaccines. Titers or serological testing are NOT accepted as proof of meeting the Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MCV), Tdap/Td, or Hepatitis B requirement. Titers or serological testing are only accepted as proof of meeting the MMR and varicella vaccine requirements.

A: No, medical physicals are not necessary for your entry to the university.  However, all incoming students must complete the Tuberculosis Screening questionnaire and abide by any recommendations.

A: No, only documentation in English will be accepted.

A: The translation of the document can be requested by your doctor/provider office or “Google Translate” can be used.

A: A “Titer” test is a blood test that measures the amount of antibodies in a person’s blood. This test helps determine if you’ve had a previous infection, if you need immunizations, or if your immune system has a strong response to your own tissues. The procedure involves a healthcare provider drawing a blood sample from a vein, which is then sent to a lab for analysis. It can be performed at most national pharmacies at Elon Student Health Services by making an appointment. A positive Titer test means that your vaccine is adequate for compliancy, and you will not need to re-do your vaccination.

A: Yes, vaccine verification is not performed through “My Chart” or Elon Health Services. You must upload documentation to the Immunizations Verification Compliance Portal found here.

A: Immunization records are not accepted via email, postal mail, delivered in person or any other package delivery service.  Students must log on to the Immunizations Verification Compliance Portal found here.  The deadline date for compliance with the state Immunizations Requirement for first-time matriculation:

A: Email immunizations@elon.edu, provide details of the issues you are having, include screenshots of any error messages for our verification and technology to investigate.  Please provide your full name and student ID number and we will get back to you within 2 business days. You can call the Student Immunizations and Health Insurance Compliance Office at 336-278-7276.

A: Immunization records are verified within 5 business days within the university calendar. Students can log onto the Immunizations Compliance Verification Portal for status updates, view messages and continue to check your email for notifications if more action is needed.

A:  No, if you are unable to get a needed vaccine at your medical provider’s office until a physical or a later appointment, you should make every effort to receive the required vaccine.  Vaccines are widely and readily available at nationwide pharmacies.  You can easily locate a pharmacy near you at EasyVax by entering the vaccine needed and your zip code. You can then select a local pharmacy and book an appointment.  You must upload documentation to the Immunizations Verification Compliance Portal found here.

A:  Depending on the timing of your situation and resolution of any documented medical concern, you will need to get your needed vaccine before coming to campus or within 30 days  to discuss availability or make an appointment when you arrive to campus.  Call Student Health Services at 336-278-7230 to inquire about availability of the required vaccine or make an appointment. You can also schedule an appointment at a nationwide pharmacy using EasyVax. If you have questions, please call the Student Immunization and Health Insurance Compliance staff at 336-278-7276 or email us at immunizations@elon.edu.