Immunization

FAQs

Who is required to submit records?

• I’m a dual enrollment student/special program student and I will not be attending on-campus classes. Do I still need to submit immunization records?

  Health Compliance recommends that all students submit proof of immunizations for the three required vaccinations of MMR, Meningitis, and Hepatitis B. However, if you will be part of an off-campus program or if you are a dual enrollment student not attending campus, you do not have to submit immunization records. Your program coordinator or advisor* needs to contact the Health Compliance Office at least 3 weeks prior to your registration date. This deadline must be met in order to ensure that all immunization holds are removed from your account prior to registration. Please keep in mind that if you expect to visit the campus at any time, you must submit proof of immunizations to be compliant with the Florida state immunization requirements.

  *Note for program coordinators and advisors: If you are submitting a list of students needing temporary immunization exemptions, please send it at least 3 weeks prior to the student's registration date so we may remove their holds in a timely manner. We thank you for your cooperation in adhering to this deadline.

• I’m a non-degree-seeking student taking classes on campus. Do I still need to submit immunization records?

  Yes. All students taking classes on an FIU campus must submit appropriate documentation showing proof of two doses of the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella), one dose of Meningitis (meningococcal), and three doses of Hepatitis B. Additional information about the immunization requirements may be found on the Registration Holds page.

• I'm a transient student; do I need to submit records?

  Transient students from another public university in Florida can submit immunization documents, or provide the Health Compliance Office with a copy of their transient form, to verify that they received the Measles and Rubella vaccines (or the MMR combined vaccine) at their home institution. This option will lift the student's MMR immunization hold temporarily for one semester.

  Transient students need to provide documentation regarding Hepatitis B and Meningitis via proof of vaccination or waivers.

  If a student continues taking classes as a transient student, they will need to submit proof each semester. A student's home institution can also send the Health Compliance Office a copy of the original immunization record.

• I'm taking both online and on-campus classes; do I need to submit records?

  Yes. A hybrid student is a student who enrolls in a program that combines both on-campus and off-campus learning via online classes. 

• I'm taking classes at FIU at I-75 located in Miramar; do I need to submit records?

  Yes, students attending classes at FIU at I-75 located in Miramar must submit immunization records. Below is the contact information for additional assistance:
  
  FIU at I-75
  1930 SW 145th Avenue
  Miramar, FL 33027
  Phone: 954-438-8600
  Fax: 954-438-8606
  Website: FIU at I-75 in Miramar

• My program is fully online. Do I need to submit records?

  If a student does not physically come to FIU’s campuses, then they are not required to submit proof of immunizations to the Health Compliance Office. However, a letter is still required from the student’s academic department.

• My program is a Distance Learning Program. Do I need to submit records?

  If a student is part of a program that takes place outside of FIU's campuses, they have the option of waiving the immunization requirements by providing the Health Compliance Office with a letter from the program.

• I’m a Global First Year (G1Y) student. Do I need to turn in immunization records or does G1Y take care of it?

  All FIU students taking on-campus classes are required to submit proof of immunizations. G1Y will not submit immunization records for you unless you provide them with your immunization records and they email the records to us. You can also email us your records directly to our office at immune@fiu.edu.

Immunization registration hold

• How and where do I submit immunization records?

  You may submit a copy of your immunization records:

  • Via fax: to 305-348-3336 or 305-919-5312
  • Via email: scanned documents to immune@fiu.edu (subject: Panther ID#)
  • Via mail: FIU-Health Compliance Office, 11200 SW 8th Street, SASC 126 Miami, FL 33199

  
  After you submit a document, you may check the status of your immunization compliance at my.fiu.edu.

• Why do I have an immunization hold on my.fiu.edu?

  If an immunization hold is present on a student's account, they may not have provided proof or submitted insufficient evidence of immunity to MMR, Hepatitis B, and Meningitis.

  To remove a hold, the student must provide the Health Compliance Office with the proper documentation. All documentation processes within two business days (48 hours) of acceptance.

• What are the acceptable forms of documentation?

  The following documents are acceptable proofs of immunity for all vaccines, provided that the dates are suitable and the documents are signed and stamped by the health care provider:

  • FIU Immunization Documentation Form
  • Health Department records
  • Childhood immunization records
  • School immunization records
  • Military service records
  • Documentation of having the disease during their lifetime: Applies to Measles (Rubeola) and Mumps only
  • Laboratory blood test (serology) results demonstrating immunity:
    • Measles (Rubeola): positive IgG titer required
    • Rubella: positive IgG titer required
    • Hepatitis B: positive AB antibody surface titer required
    • Meningitis: a lab test is not valid and will not be accepted
• I cannot find my immunization records; what should I do?

  If students cannot locate their immunization records and believe they have taken the vaccines, a positive lab test against both the Measles (Rubeola) and Rubella and/or Hepatitis B is sufficient to remove the holds.

  Laboratory blood tests with equivocal or negative results will not be accepted.

• When do I need to submit immunization records?

  Students must submit immunization records at least four (4) weeks before they register for classes.

• I sent in my immunization records. Why do I still have a hold for the MMR vaccine?

  There could be several reasons why you still have a hold for the MMR:

  • Your record may indicate that you only have one MMR vaccine. The university requires that all students have two MMR vaccines before registration, therefore you will need to take a second MMR before we can remove your hold. We offer the vaccine at FIU Student Health Clinics.
  • Your record may be missing the doctor's stamp or signature. You must provide us with the missing portion before we can accept the record and remove the hold.
  • Your record may indicate that you took the shot before your first birthday. Each MMR vaccine must be given after your first birthday as per Florida state regulations, otherwise, it is not valid. If you received your first dose of MMR before your first birthday you will need to receive an additional dose of MMR to clear your hold.
  • Your second dose of MMR may not be valid. The second dose must be given at least 28 days after the first dose. If the second shot is received too soon, it is unacceptable. If you received your second dose before this time passed you will need to receive an additional dose of MMR to clear your hold.
• I have a hold on my account for the Hepatitis B immunization. How can I remove it?

  FIU requires three doses of the Hepatitis B vaccine to remove this immunization hold. The second dose must be administered at least 28 days after the first dose. You must receive the third dose at least 112 days after the first dose and at least 56 days after the second dose.

  We strongly recommend this vaccine, but it is not mandatory. Therefore, you may sign and submit a waiver for this vaccine which will remove your hold.

  You can read and accept this waiver electronically through your MyFIUaccount. Once you log in, click on “Student Tools.” Then, click on “Student Health” and finally, click “Accept."

  Please keep in mind that if you are under 18 years of age, your parent or legal guardian must sign the waiver.

• I have a hold on my account for the Meningitis immunization. How can I remove it?

  FIU requires one dose of the Meningitis (Meningococcal) vaccine to remove this immunization hold.

  We strongly recommend this vaccine, but it is not mandatory. Therefore, you may sign and submit a waiver for this vaccine which will remove your hold.

  You can read and accept this waiver electronically through your MyFIU account. Once you log in, click on “Student Tools.” Then, click on “Student Health” and finally, click “Accept."

  Please keep in mind that if you are under 18 years of age, your parent or legal guardian must sign the waiver.

• Am I able to receive a copy of my immunization records?

  You must complete and sign the FIU Immunization Release of Information Form and attach a copy of your photo ID.

  After the Health Compliance Office receives the release form, your immunization records can be mailed, faxed or emailed.

Getting vaccinated

• Can I get vaccines on campus?

  Yes! Students can receive vaccines at the FIU student clinic (FIU Student Health Clinics) at the MMC campus. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you must call and make an appointment first. To make an appointment, call 305-348-8385.

• If I am pregnant, should I get vaccinated?

  If a student is pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant, or undergoing fertility treatments, we do not recommend getting a vaccination. 

• If I am ill, should I get vaccinated?

  If a student is temporarily ill or involved in any medical circumstance, we do not recommend that the student receive any vaccines.

• How do I request a vaccine waiver?

  Proper documentation for a vaccine waiver consists of the Personal Physician Vaccine Waiver form or a letter from a doctor's office with the following information:

  • The date the letter was provided by the M.D.
  • A brief explanation for waiving the vaccine
  • The date a student can receive a vaccine
  • The student's Panther ID number
  • An M.D. stamp and original signature

  This letter is valid for one semester unless the letter specifically states an expiration date. Once the expiration date has passed, the immunization hold will automatically assign to the student's account.

Waivers/exemptions

• How do I electronically accept immunization waivers?

  Students who decline to receive the vaccination for Meningitis and/or Hepatitis B must accept a waiver of liability acknowledging that they received and read information about the disease and, despite knowledge of the risks, have decided to waive receiving the vaccine.

  These waivers can be read and accepted electronically through your MyFIU account. Once you login, click on “Student Tools.” Then, click on “Student Health” and finally, click “Accept."

  If a student is under the age of 18, the waivers must be signed by a parent or legal guardian. waivers can be located on this page.

• How do I request a permanent medical exemption?

  Students who have a permanent medical condition in which vaccinations are not recommended or may lead to a bad reaction to a vaccine can request permanent medical exemptions. Proper documentation includes a Personal Physician Vaccine Waiver Form or letter from a doctor's office with the following information:

  • The date the letter was provided by the M.D.
  • A brief explanation for waiving the vaccine permanently
  • The student's panther ID number
  • An M.D. stamp and signature
• How do I request a permanent religious exemption?

  Students may request an exemption if their religious/personal beliefs do not allow them to obtain vaccinations. To discuss a religious/personal exemption, please call the Health Compliance Office at 305-348-2688.