Frequently Asked Questions

Immunization

How do I satisfy the immunization requirement?

New York State public health law requires that students born on or after January 1, 1957 provide proof of immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella if they are registered for six or more credits. All students are also required to document a decision regarding meningococcal meningitis.

What is the deadline for new students?

You should submit completed immunization documentation for MMR at least 30 days prior to registering for classes. We strongly encourage you to contact your Columbia school or division to determine your registration date. For this reason, all incoming students are placed on hold prior to their first registration.

How do I submit my immunization documentation?

Immunization documentation may be submitted to the Columbia Health Immunization Compliance Office:

• In person: Immunization Office, Wien Hall, Room 108B, Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• By mail: Immunization Office, Wien Hall, 411 W.116th Street, MC 3712, New York, N.Y. 10027
• By fax: (212) 854-5078

We are unable to accept health forms or immunization documentation via e-mail for privacy and security reasons.

Where can I find the immunization form for my physician to complete?

The Columbia University MMR Form can be found online in the "Forms" section of this website. Students should complete the student section of the form, and the physician or health care provider must complete Section A OR Section B. We recommend that you make a copy for your records before sending it in.

I have a copy of my immunization records; do I need to have my doctor complete the Columbia MMR form?

You may submit an official copy of your immunization history/labs in place of having your doctor complete the MMR form. Please be sure to include your full name, date of birth and UNI on your documentation.

Please also fill out the student section of the Columbia University Immunization form and send it along with your records.

Will I be notified if there is a problem with my record?

To ensure timely course registration, it is recommended that you submit your documentation at least 30 days prior to registering for classes. We strongly encourage you to contact your Columbia school or division to determine your registration date. You will be notified via your Columbia email only if you need to provide additional information.

How long will it take for my registration hold to be removed?

Immunization records are processed in order of receipt. At the start of the academic semester, it may take a few days for your documentation to be processed and for the hold to be removed. You should also check that you have properly completed the online meningococcal meningitis requirement.

How will I know that the hold has been removed?

All incoming students are placed on health hold prior to the start of the semester. If your documentation is complete, the hold will be removed and you will be permitted to register for classes. You may check your hold status by logging into your SSOL account.

I submitted my form weeks ago, why do I still have a hold on my account?

If you have already submitted your records, it is likely that the information does not fulfill all of New York State’s requirements. If you have not received an email message regarding your compliance status, you may contact us at hs-enrollment@columbia.edu or you may leave a message at (212) 854-7210. Please include your full name and Columbia UNI so we can review your records. We usually respond within one business day.

If I am in the process of completing the vaccinations, will I be permitted to register before having the second dose?

Yes, once you have sent us proof of having received the 1st MMR dose, you will be able to register for classes. Since it is medically necessary that you wait for at least 28 days between MMR vaccines, you are granted temporary compliance for 28 days from the date on which the first dose was administered. You will become fully compliant only after having and submitting proof of the second dose.

I am an international student and had my vaccinations administered at home. Is this acceptable?

Yes, you may submit your immunization record from your home country. Columbia Health will review your documentation to determine if it meets the New York State public health requirements. Please ensure that your form is completed properly and includes the day, month, year, and dose(s) administered as well as the medical provider’s name, and provider's signature.

Do I need a physical exam before attending Columbia?

A physical exam is not required. However, Columbia Health recommends that students receive all routine childhood vaccinations, an updated tetanus booster, and vaccinations for hepatitis B (three-dose series) and varicella (chicken pox) prior to enrollment.

Does Columbia offer the MMR vaccine or blood test?

If you are unable to locate your immunization documentation, you may receive the MMR vaccine or titer (blood) test at Columbia Health. Medical Services at Columbia Health offers the vaccine by appointment at no cost to new students. Appointments should be scheduled and completed at least 30 days prior to registering for classes. There are no additional risks associated with having the MMR if you are already immune to the illnesses.

The MMR titer (blood) test is offered on a walk-in basis if you wish to test your level of immunity. The test is offered at no cost for new students and should be completed at least 30 days prior to registering for classes. Please note the results may take up to 3-5 business days.

For advice on determining the best course of action, you may contact the Immunization Compliance Office at (212) 854-7210 or e-mail hs-enrollment@columbia.edu.

Otherwise, you may schedule your vaccine appointment by calling (212) 854‐7426 or visit Medical Services during the hours of operation to have the blood test.

I have been accepted to Columbia as a graduate student, and I provided MMR documentation while I was an undergraduate student. Do I have to resubmit my records?

Columbia Health maintains immunization documentation for seven years from date of submission. If you were fully compliant as an undergraduate student, your information will carry forward, and you will not be required to provide additional MMR documentation. We recommend that you email us to verify that you were fully compliant at hs‐enrollment@columbia.edu. Please include your full name, date of birth, Columbia university identification number, and the date that you entered Columbia so we can review your records.

What happens if I don’t provide measles, mumps, and rubella information?

To ensure that the University is at minimum risk for an outbreak, we are required to enforce New York State immunization requirements. Students who fail to comply will not be permitted to register for classes at the University.

I attended or graduated from Columbia University. Can you mail me a copy of my immunization records?

Yes, Columbia Health can fax or mail you a copy of your MMR history. To protect the confidentiality of your health information, written authorization is required before we can release your record. To obtain a copy of your immunization history, you may download and complete the Authorization for the Release of Health Information and fax it to Medical Services at (212) 854‐0673.

Is the meningococcal meningitis vaccine compulsory?

The meningococcal meningitis vaccine is optional. You are not required to submit documentation to our office. However, you are required to go online to SSOL to make an informed decision regarding the vaccine.

If you decide to be vaccinated against meningococcal meningitis, Medical Services at Columbia University offers the vaccine at no cost for students enrolled in the Columbia Health Program. You may schedule an appointment beginning the first week of classes by calling (212) 854-7426.