Requests For Immunization Exemptions or Extensions

 

You may request consideration for a limited exemption from an immunization requirement for medical and/or religious reasons. Exemption requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis; they are NOT automatically granted. 

Requests for exemptions must be written and signed by you if you are 18 years of age or older, or a parent or guardian if you are under the age of 18. 

Important notice for students considering an exemption request: Due to the Department of Health vaccine mandate which requires vaccines for individuals in healthcare facilities, the review of your exemption request includes consideration of the location (West Campus, East Campus/Health Sciences Center, and/or Southampton Campus) of your courses. Should you apply and be approved for an exemption to enroll in in-person classes ONLY on the West campus, and then wish to apply to or enroll in a course, program, major, minor, or other course of study at the Health Sciences Center (HSC), you must submit a supplemental review in advance of application deadlines or registration periods to the Office of Equity & Access. Approved exemption requests are subject to change based upon developing case law, emergency regulations, or other additional relevant information. A medical exemption granted by Stony Brook does not guarantee medical exemptions from external agencies that serve as clinical sites. Students are expected to abide by the regulations of individual clinical sites. Students who are not vaccinated risk loss of placements and delays or ability to complete clinical programs.

 

Medical Exemption Requests:

If you are requesting a medical exemption for Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), you must have the Medical Exemption Request Form completed and email it to vaccinations@stonybrook.edu from your Stony Brook email. 

Exemptions will only be considered if they are submitted on the Stony Brook University Medical Exemption Request Form with supporting documentation. This form includes a certification from a licensed healthcare provider, such as a Medical Doctor (MD), Doctor of Osteoeopathic Medicine (DO), Physician Assistant (PA), or Nurse Practitioner (NP). The document must be signed by the licensed healthcare provider and include the provider’s contact information. 

Student Health Services will communicate decisions of medical exemptions to your Stony Brook email address within five business days of submission to the vaccinations@stonybrook.edu inbox. For any students not approved for a medical exemption, proof of full vaccination is required to be submitted to the Wolfie Health Portal prior to the start of classes. 

 

Religious Exemption Requests:

If you hold a genuine and sincere religious belief that is contrary to the MMR Immunization, you may request an exemption by filling out the MMR Immunization Religious Accommodation Request Form, which will be submitted to the Office of Equity & Access for review. 

NOTE: The statement for students over 18 years of age should be submitted to the Office of Equity and Access before the given deadline for the upcoming semester; students under 18 years of age must also include a signature from their parent or guardian. The Office of Equity and Access will thoroughly review all requests for religious exemptions and, based on their evaluation, either approve or deny the exemption.

 

Please note that written submissions will not be accepted;  you must use the online form for consideration.

In your statement, please explain how receiving the MMR vaccination conflicts with your sincerely held religious belief or practice. If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact OEA at oea@stonybrook.edu.

The Office of Equity & Access will communicate decisions of religious exemptions to your Stony Brook email address within ten business days of submission.

For any students not approved for a religious exemption, proof of full MMR vaccination is required to be submitted to the Wolfie Health Portal prior to the start of classes. 

 

What happens if I am approved for a medical or religious exemption?

If you are granted an exemption, that approval continues as long as you are an enrolled Stony Brook student. 

It is your responsibility to follow any health and safety guidelines required by Stony Brook University. It is also your responsibility to upload proof of vaccination to the Wolfie Health Portal if your vaccination status changes.