ACHA strongly supports the use of vaccines to protect the health of our individual students and our campus communities.
Immunizations offer safe and effective protection from vaccine-preventable diseases. The United States is experiencing re-emergence of these diseases, in part due to factors such as un-immunized and under-immunized persons and global travel. The American College Health Association (ACHA) strongly supports the use of vaccines to protect the health of our individual students and our campus communities.
In recognition of the vital role that vaccine coverage plays in community immunity (herd immunity), ACHA discourages non medical exemptions to required vaccines. Best practices for institutions of higher education include following recommendations for institutional pre-matriculation immunizations guidelines, encouraging students who request non medical waivers to be counseled by a health service clinician, and considering exclusion of unimmunized students from school during outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Adopted by the ACHA Executive Committee on behalf of the Board of Directors on April 15, 2014.
Topic
Immunizations, Patient Care & Services
Audience
Campus Executives, Community Based Organizations, Faculty/Researchers, Health & Wellness Center Administrators, Health Care Providers, Health Promotion Specialists, Mental Health Providers, Student Affairs, Students/Patients/Families
Resource Type
Organizational Position Statement
Publish Date
April 15, 2014
