Vaccine Requirements, Recommendations & Exemptions
Required Vaccines
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Measles, Mumps and Rubella Requirement
Bates College requires all students to be vaccinated against Diphtheria and Tetanus; and Measles, Mumps and Rubella.
- provide proof of at least one dose of DTaP, DTP, DT, Td, or TdaP given in the last 10 years;
- provide proof of 2 doses of MMR or MMRV, the first dose in this 2-dose series must have been given after the 1st birthday, and the doses must be given 28 or more days apart.
Recommended Vaccines
Bates College recommends these vaccines for protection from vaccine-preventable diseases and
outbreaks.
- Hepatitis A Vaccine
- Hepatitis B Vaccine
- Human Papilloma (HPV) Vaccine
- Meningococcal Vaccine (MenACWY, MenB)
- MMR Booster Dose
- Polio Vaccine
- Varicella (Varivax, MMRV)
- Annual seasonal flu shot
- Annual COVID-19 booster
Information about Medical Exemptions
In compliance with federal and Maine state law, students may request a medical exemption to these required vaccines. In order to be considered for a medical exemption, the student, or their parent or guardian, if the student is under 18, must submit the Medical Provider Documentation for Medical Exemptions for Vaccines form from a licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant that attests that individual meets the below criteria for a medical exemption. All requests for exemptions are subject to the review and approval of the Medical Director of Bates Health Services.
Students are required to submit both the (1) Medical Provider Documentation for Medical Exemption for Vaccine Form and the (2) Student Request for Medical Exemption for Vaccine Form. You can receive these forms by emailing healthservices@bates.edu.
Criteria for Medical Exemption for Tetanus-Diphtheria Toxoid
☐ having received tetanus toxoid or tetanus-diphtheria toxoid within 5 years of enrollment;
☐ a hypersensitivity reaction to a prior dose of tetanus toxoid or tetanus-diphtheria toxoid.
Criteria for Medical Exemption for the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Vaccine
☐ pregnancy, or students planning to become pregnant within 3 months;
☐ a history of anaphylactic reaction following egg ingestion or receipt of neomycin;
☐ students with altered immunocompetence. Please attach detailed documentation.
Applying for a Medical Exemption
Students who are interested in applying for a medical exemption to required vaccines should contact Brenna Callahan at healthservices@bates.edu.
Students will be required to submit both the (1) Medical Provider Documentation for Medical Exemption for Vaccines Form and (2) Student Request for Medical Exemption for Vaccines Form. You can receive these forms by emailing healthservices@bates.edu.
Completed forms can be emailed to healthservices@bates.edu, faxed to 207-755-5838, or mailed to Bates Health Services at 31 Campus Ave, Lewiston ME.