All students who meet established criteria are obliged to demonstrate immunity to measles, mumps and rubella. Relevant criteria – i.e., key factors which drive the need for compliance - are delineated below:
Age: students born on or after Jan. 1, 1957 must demonstrate immunity; those born prior to this date are excused.
Course schedule: students who register for two or more credit-bearing classes – and at least one course involves face-to-face contact on a weekly basis for two or more weeks – are obliged to comply. This includes participation at all campuses, centers (including University Center, Capital University Center and University Center – Rapid City) and miscellaneous off-campus sites.
Academic background: students who have completed prior collegiate course work in the state of South Dakota (initiated prior to July 1, 2008) are excused from compliance. Note: distance course work, dual credit and credit by exam/validation do not qualify.
Acceptable evidence of immunity to each disease includes:
- Immunization record which specifies administration of two doses of vaccine
- Medical laboratory report that verifies presence of disease-specific antibodies in the blood (i.e., positive blood titer)
- Documentation of disease state as diagnosed by a qualified physician
- Submit records:
- Mail: SDSU Student Health Clinic and Counseling Services | 1440 N. Campus Drive | Brookings, SD 57007
- Fax: 605-688-6450
- Email: sdsu.shc@sdstate.edu
The law recognizes that special circumstances may preclude ability to demonstrate compliance as detailed above. Those students for whom vaccination presents a threat to health/well-being and those who adhere to a religious doctrine that opposes immunizations may petition for a permanent exemption or temporary waiver as appropriate. Note: the statute does not allow for philosophical objections.