Immunization Requirements

These vaccines are highly recommended, but not required:

• COVID-19: Booster recommendations vary based on seasonality and circulating strains

• Hepatitis A: two doses

• HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

Two doses if the series was started before age 15

Three doses if the series was started at age 15 or older

• Influenza: annual flu vaccine (offered on campus during fall semester)

• Polio (IPV): three doses

Kenyon College prioritizes the health and safety of our community and expects that most students will be fully vaccinated to help reduce the risk of infection. However, the College recognizes two types of exemptions to immunization requirements: medical exemptions and religious exemptions. All exemption requests must be submitted as soon as possible to allow for timely processing. Exemption requests should be uploaded as a document in the student health portal. Kenyon College may request additional information to review and evaluate exemption requests. Students will be asked to sign a risk acknowledgment form after the request has been reviewed prior to final approval.

Medical Exemptions

A medical exemption may be granted if a student has a medical condition that prevents them from receiving a vaccine. Common reasons for medical exemptions include:

• A weakened immune system due to illness or prescribed medication

• A severe allergy to a vaccine or one of its ingredients

• A history of a serious medical reaction to a vaccine requiring medical care

How to Request a Medical Exemption

To apply for a medical exemption, students must submit a letter from a licensed medical provider (physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant) that includes:

• The student's full name and date of birth

• A clear medical justification for the exemption

A clear medical justification is a documented, evidence-based clinical reason provided by a licensed healthcare professional showing that a specific vaccine is contraindicated or poses a significant risk to the individual’s health; a note indicating personal preference or unwillingness to receive vaccines does not constitute a valid medical exemption.

Religious Exemptions

A religious exemption may be granted to accommodate a student's sincerely held religious beliefs, practices, or observations that prevent them from receiving a vaccine.

How to Request a Religious Exemption

To apply for a religious exemption, students must submit one of the two options:

1. A written and signed personal statement (signed by a parent/guardian if the student is under 18) that includes:

• An explanation of the student's religious belief, practice or observation

• A description of the specific exemption being requested

• A statement explaining how the exemption resolves the conflict between the student's religious beliefs and the College’s immunization requirement

2. A letter from a clergy member or religious leader that includes:

• The student's full name

• A description of the student's sincerely held religious belief, practice or observation

• A statement explaining why the immunization cannot or should not be received

If a vaccine-preventable disease outbreak occurs, non-immunized students will receive guidance from the Cox Health and Counseling Center in consultation with local public health authorities.

During an Outbreak

• Non-immunized students may be required to leave campus if conditions are deemed unsafe by the College and public health officials.

• Students may return to classes and housing once the local public health officer and Cox Health and Counseling leadership determine it is safe.

• Academic and financial responsibilities remain with the student — Kenyon will not refund fees, compensate for missed coursework, or transition classes to a hybrid format due to an outbreak-related absence.

• Confirmed cases of vaccine-preventable diseases in the local area may require students to complete daily symptom check-ins and communicate with the Cox Health and Counseling Center.

Housing Adjustments

• Residential assignments may be modified if necessary to protect the health of students.

• Changes will be made on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the Office of Residential Life.

Registration

• Students who are not compliant with Kenyon’s vaccine requirements will have a hold placed on their registration until all required documentation is submitted.

• Students who have upcoming booster doses of vaccines due are responsible for knowing their due dates and completing those requirements on time. These students will not have a hold on their registration while vaccines are not yet due.

• To support compliance, the Cox Health and Counseling Center regularly co-sponsors immunization clinics on-campus with community partners, and vaccines are also widely available at local pharmacies. The Cox Center sends notices about upcoming vaccine clinics with sign-up information.

• Students with approved exemptions are considered compliant and will not have registration holds.

1. Log in to the PyraMED student health portal using your Kenyon username and password.

2. Authenticate with Duo.

3. Click My Forms on the student health portal home page.

4. Select Immunization History Form, and complete it with the dates of your vaccines.

5. Within the Immunization History form, you will be required to submit supporting documentation. Upload ALL your vaccine records and/or titers to prove immunity. You will have the option to choose “Immunization Record” and can upload multiple times from files stored on your computer. Accepted file formats: PDF, JPEG, TIFF, PNG, BMP or GIF. Click save with each upload.

6. Click Submit.

Need Help? If you have questions or need assistance, please contact us.

Vaccines help protect students and the campus community from contagious diseases, especially in residential settings where students live and interact closely together.

Residence halls, shared bathrooms, dining spaces, and classrooms increase the spread of illnesses like meningitis, measles, flu and COVID-19.

College students living in residence halls are at increased risk for meningococcal disease because it can spread more easily in close living environments.

Vaccines used in the United States are carefully tested and monitored for safety and effectiveness. Most side effects are mild and temporary, such as soreness, fatigue or low-grade fever.

Students and families are encouraged to speak with a healthcare provider about any questions or concerns. Vaccines help prevent serious illness and outbreaks on campus.

Students should contact their healthcare provider, previous school, or state immunization registry. Missing vaccines can usually be completed before arriving on campus.

Yes. International immunization records should be translated into English and include vaccine names and administration dates before they are submitted to the Cox Center via their student health portal for review and processing.

Most routine vaccines are covered by health insurance plans. Students without insurance coverage of vaccines may be able to receive lower-cost vaccines through local pharmacies, health departments or community clinics.

Yes. Many vaccines can safely be given during the same visit.

Once a student turns 18, health information is generally protected by privacy laws unless the student provides written permission.

Some vaccines, such as the annual flu vaccine or updated COVID-19 vaccines, help reduce illness and disruption during the academic year and support overall campus health.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact us.

Our team will make sure your question gets to the right person and respond promptly. 

• Email: health@kenyon.edu

• Phone: 740-427-5525