94% of surveyed elite US universities require vaccines for enrollment

[HuckleB]

http://www.healio.com/pediatrics/vaccine-preventable-diseases/news/online/%7Bd0f05048-f51f-4370-8ec6-cd9d16c7dc9d%7D/94-of-surveyed-elite-us-universities-require-vaccines-for-enrollment

"Data presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting indicated that 94% of 129 surveyed top-ranked universities in the United States have pre-matriculation vaccination requirements and that 46% of these universities disallowed philosophical exemptions.

“We were interested in how nonvaccination in early childhood could affect the adolescent population,” Ada Fenick, MD, associate professor in the department of pediatrics at Yale School of Medicine, told Infectious Diseases in Children. “Jurisdictional requirements (states and the District of Columbia) vary for preschool, school-aged, and college attendees, but parents of small children rarely consider the effect of their actions on their child when college-bound.”

While national vaccination requirements have increased, university requirements have not been assessed recently, according to Fenick and colleagues. They noted that this is important because a high prevalence of well-educated, high-income families who are vaccine-hesitant often send their children to elite universities.

The researchers sent a survey to the top 200 universities, according to U.S. News & World Report, with questions on vaccines required for enrollment and other queries pertaining to medical, religious, or philosophical exemptions. They also inquired about the university’s response to noncompliance as well as legal requirements designated by their state.

..."

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This is hopeful news.

[Liz_Estrada]

1. You're right, it is hopeful, and some universities are incredibly vigilant.

Son had a recent hassle trying to prove he'd HAD chicken pox. Turned out to be easier to just get the shots.

Good opportunity to remind my fellow Boomers and other adults to get a pertussis booster, especially if they'll be around babies and small kids.

Liz

[malthaussen]

2. Only 94%?

I am aghast that any certified institution of higher learning would not require them.

-- Mal

[HuckleB]

3. True enough.