Meningococcal Vaccine Requirement

Medical Services

University of Denver policy and Colorado State Law require most students to show proof of immunization against measles, mumps, rubella, meningitis, influenza, and COVID-19. On this page, you'll find details regarding those requirements, as well as information on where to get vaccinated and how to submit proof of immunization or requests for exemptions.

The University of Denver is committed to promoting the health and safety of the entire community. The University of Denver Health and Counseling Center (HCC) is responsible for facilitating student compliance with both state and university vaccination requirements. 

State of Colorado and University of Denver Meningitis Immunization Requirements

Colorado State Law, Section 23-5-128, C.R.S., requires all postsecondary education institutions in Colorado to provide information about meningococcal disease to new students. In support of this measure, the University of Denver policy require all first-year undergraduates and students living in DU housing to show proof of vaccination against meningococcal disease (MenACWY) within the past five years.

If proof of vaccination and acknowledgement of meningitis information is not submitted to the University of Denver Health & Counseling Center by your program's registration date, you will be unable to register for classes.

 

Submitting Proof of Meningitis Vaccination

Your health care provider will need to enter the dates of your meningitis vaccinations, and sign the Certificate of Immunization.

In place of the Certificate of Immunization, you may submit:

  • A copy of your original immunization records
  • An immunization record from another school, provided it is on official letterhead from the school

To upload your vaccination record, complete the following steps:

  1. Log into the MyHealth portal.
  2. Select MEDICAL CLEARANCES on the left side bar.
  3. Click UPDATE next to Immunization Record.
  4. Click UPLOAD.
  5. Attach and upload your file(s).
  6. Click UPDATE next to Meningococcal AWYC.
  7. Enter the date you received your vaccination.
  8. Select the matching vaccination type from the drop down menu.
  9. Click DONE.

If you are unable to upload, you may email your records to info@hcc.du.edu or fax them to 303-871-4242. Please include your DU ID number, first and last name with all communications.

After the Health & Counseling Center has reviewed your record, you will receive a confirmation message in MyHealth.

For help obtaining immunization or submitting your vaccination records, contact the HCC at 303-871-2205 or info@hcc.du.edu.

Exemptions to the Meningitis Vaccination Requirement


Medical Exemptions

Medical exemptions must be requested by submitting a letter or statement signed by your healthcare provider indicating the clinically supported reason(s) you should not receive the MenACWY vaccine. This letter must include the time period for which the exemption is valid. 

Non-medical Exemptions

Review the 'Meningococcal Disease Information and Vaccine Waiver' (Certificate of Immunization, page 2), sign, and check the box to indicate you have decided not to obtain the MenACWY vaccination.

Available through DocuSign for fully electronic processing: Non-Medical Meningococcal Disease Information and Vaccine Waiver form for 2023-2024 year valid through July 30, 2024 


Submitting Your Exemption Request

Follow these steps to submit an exemption request:

  1. Log into the MyHealth portal.
  2. Select MEDICAL CLEARANCES on the left side bar.
  3. Click UPDATE next to Immunization Record.
  4. Select UPLOAD.
  5. Attach and upload your request document.

If you are unable to upload, you may email your document to info@hcc.du.edu or fax it to 303-871-4242. Please include your DU ID number, first and last name with all communications.

After the Health & Counseling Center has reviewed your request for exemption, you will receive notification in MyHealth. For questions about accessing MyHealth or for help uploading, contact info@hcc.du.edu.

Outbreak Policy

In the event of a meningitis outbreak on campus, students for whom a vaccination exemption has been submitted will be withdrawn from classes by the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) until the outbreak is contained (likely six to eight weeks). Students who are exempt from vaccination requirements will not be entitled to a refund or tuition credit for any missed time.

Colorado Immunization Information System (CIIS)

The University of Denver Health & Counseling Center participates in the Colorado Immunization Information System (CIIS). Immunizations given at the DU HCC will be entered into CIIS. Other information such as past immunization records provided to the DU HCC, gender, and the office where each shot is given will be included in the registry to be sure that your record is accurate and cannot be confused with another patient's. Your address will also be included in the system to allow your health care provider to send you a card to remind you are due for an immunization. All information entered into CIIS is secure and confidential.

Under Colorado State Law, you can exclude your immunization information from participation. If you would like to opt out, please complete the form on the CIIS opt-out procedures page and provide a copy to CIIS as directed on the form.