Immunizations
This page provides an overview of the University's immunization reporting requirements and exceptions to the policy that are in effect.
Immunization Requirements
The University of West Florida (UWF), in compliance with Florida Statute (1006.69) and Florida Board of Governors Regulations (6.001 & 6.007), requires the completed UWF Mandatory Immunization Health History Form to be completed as a prerequisite to matriculation or registration. This form and supporting documentation are submitted through the Immunization Status App in MyUWF.
It is requested that the UWF Mandatory Immunization Health History Form is completed prior to registration for timely processing. Late, incomplete, or inaccurate information may delay registration.
Immunization Exceptions and Waivers
Fully online students who will not be taking any courses on a UWF campus or location are not required to provide proof of immunization but should submit a waiver through the MyUWF Immunization Status App. If the student enrolls in a face-to-face course or has to come on campus for any reason, the student will be required to submit the required immunization documentation.
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
Students may submit a waiver through the Immunization Status App if they qualify for any of the exemptions listed:
- Age Basis: If the student was born on or before December 31, 1956, is considered to have had natural immunity, and therefore the MMR vaccine is not required.
- Medical Basis: The student must provide a letter from a healthcare provider, signed on official medical office stationery and including the official stamp from the office, stating the medical reason(s) why the student is not able to receive the Measles/Mumps and/or Rubella vaccine(s), and indicate if this is a temporary or permanent condition.
- Religious Basis: The student (or the student's parent/guardian if under 18 years old) must provide a signed letter stating that the student's religious beliefs do not permit him/her to receive vaccinations.
- Online Students: Students who are enrolled in online courses only and who will not be physically present in any UWF classroom or on any UWF campus may request an exception to the MMR requirement through their application process. Online-only students do not need to submit proof of immunizations or a physician's signature. Should such students seek to register for a face-to-face course, they must comply with the requirements as described in the UWF Immunization Policy.
Hepatitis B
Students wishing to decline this vaccine must read the CDC's Hepatitis B Vaccine Information Statement, select "Hepatitis B Waiver" and "Decline Vaccine" on the online immunization form indicating they have read the information and still wish to decline the vaccine, and electronically sign the form. Selecting "Decline Vaccine" and signing the form indicate the student understands the possible risk in not receiving the vaccine, including the potentially fatal nature of this disease. If the student is under the age of 18 and wishes to decline the Hepatitis B vaccine, a parent or guardian must provide their signature in addition to the student's signature in order for the waiver to be valid.
Meningococcal Meningitis
Students wishing to decline this vaccine must read the CDC's Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccine Information Statement, select "Meningitis Waiver" and "Decline Vaccine" on the immunization form indicating they have read the information and still wish to decline the vaccine, and electronically sign the form. Selecting "Decline Vaccine" and signing the form indicate the student understands the possible risk in not receiving the vaccine, including the potentially fatal nature of this disease. If the student is under the age of 18 and wishes to decline the Meningococcal Meningitis vaccine, a parent or guardian must provide their signature in addition to the student's signature in order for the waiver to be valid.