Immunization Requirements
During the 2007 South Dakota Legislative Session, the Legislature passed a bill to require all students enrolled in post-secondary institutions to furnish evidence of immunity to selected diseases. The bill was signed into law by Governor Michael Rounds
on March 1, 2007, and became effective on July 1, 2008. This statute reflects recommendations issued by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and is designed to minimize the possibility of disease outbreaks within our campus communities.
To ensure consistency with state law, the South Dakota Board of Regents tailored its existing immunization policy in June 2008.
The statute applies to every student (graduate and undergraduate) who has been admitted to a post-secondary institution – either public or private – in the state of South Dakota. It states that all students who meet established criteria are obliged to demonstrate immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella. Relevant criteria (the key factors which drive the need for compliance)
are delineated below:
- Age: students born on or after January 1, 1957 must comply; 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 multiple
weeks - are obliged to comply. This includes participation at all campuses and centers (including University Center, Capital University Center, and West River Higher Learning Center).
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)
In accordance with state law, students who neglect to supply this evidence in a timely fashion will be administratively withdrawn from classes 45 calendar days after the start of classes.
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. Please note: the statute does not allow for philosophical objections.
Meningitis vaccinations are not required, but are highly recommended.
Please submit the Mandatory Immunization Form along with any vaccination records or lab reports to deanofstudents@sdsmt.edu.
Information and Forms: