As described in the Wheaton College Student Health Services Entrance Health Requirements policy, all students must, prior to enrollment, show proof of immunity with respect to measles, mumps, and rubella (which are covered by the single MMR vaccine) tetanus and diphtheria (covered by the Td, DT, DTP, and Tdap vaccines) and meningitis conjugate vaccine (Menactra, Menveo). In addition, the College requires that students provide proof of PPD testing for tuberculosis. The College further recommends, though it does not require, immunizations for hepatitis B, meningitis, and chicken pox (see Entrance Requirements). If a student is considering traveling with a Wheaton College program internationally, required and recommended vaccinations for that trip will be discussed with the student during the travel consult.
Occasionally the College is asked to exempt a particular student from its immunization requirements. Because the College believes that the entire campus population is best served when every student is immunized, it does not favor exemptions. The College will, however, consider a request for exemption, but only under the following circumstances.
Medical Necessity
- Medical Risk to the Student. The College may exempt a student from one or more of the required immunizations based on a written statement by a physician that describes the nature and probable duration of a medical condition or circumstance that contraindicates such immunizations(s) and that identifies the specific immunization(s) that could be detrimental to the student's health.
- Medical Risk to an Unborn Fetus. Female students may be granted temporary exemption from immunization against measles, mumps, and rubella if pregnancy or suspected pregnancy is certified by a physician's written statement.
- Immunizations Scheduled, but Not Yet Completed. If a student is on an approved schedule to receive all necessary doses of the required vaccines, the student may be granted temporary medical exemption for the duration of the approved schedule.
Religious Objection
The College will consider granting an exemption based on a written statement by the student stating the specific religious belief on which the opposition to the required vaccinations is based and the theological basis for such belief.
If you desire to request an immunization exemption that is within one of the above-mentioned categories, please use our Immunization Exemption Form and submit it with the rest of your entrance paperwork.