 "Photo: photo illustration by Anthony Limon UCD Advocate")
Recent changes in UC-Denver’s policies have made immunizations against certain diseases mandatory for students.
UCD students will be required to turn in documentation proving they meet immunization requirements by November 9.
According to Samantha Ortiz Schriver, Ph.D. and assistant vice chancellor for University Life and dean of students, “this policy is consistent with the State of Colorado Department of Health guidelines, which were developed to reduce the potential for massive outbreaks of infectious disease.”
Schriver went on to describe Auraria campus as a small city and a potential breeding ground for infectious diseases. Metro, Anschutz, and Colorado Community College have already implemented immunization programs to prevent campus outbreaks.
“Most other universities require immunizations,” said Schriver.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, early childhood vaccines may wear off, and children may develop the risk for more diseases as they approach their teen years, making it just as important for adolescents and young adults to receive immunizations.
UCD administration is taking the policy seriously: Students who refuse to get immunized will have holds placed on their official school records.
According to Schriver, these holds will prevent students from enrolling in subsequent terms until immunization compliance is met.
Meghan Joyce, an Anschutz medical student said she is unsure about UCD’s mandatory immunization policy.
“I understand that the school wants to protect its students’ health, but there may be personal reasons that a student does not want to get immunized,” said Joyce.
According to Ortiz Schriver, medical, religious, and personal immunization exemptions will be allowed.
However, students who are not exempted will be required to complete the following before November 9: Auraria Immunization form, signed Meningoccal disease information form, signed Tuberculosis screening form, and official proof of immunization documentation.
All forms can be obtained on the Auraria Health Center web site.
To help curb the cost of immunizations for UCD students, the health center has established special immunization pricing below general community costs.
For more information, call 303-556-2525
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