MMR & Varicella
NOTE: You may upload immunization documentation at https://umwa.memphis.edu/immunizations
Immunizations Required Under Tennessee State Law
All students registering as full-time students at the University of Memphis must proof of immunizations. Documentation of 2 MMR immunizations or proof of immunity for Measles, Mumps, and Rubella and documentation of 2 Varicella immunizations or proof of immunity for Varicella (Chicken Pox) are required. Acceptable documentation and special notes concerning these requirements are listed below. Photocopies and faxed documentation are acceptable as originals cannot be returned.
Meningitis Immunization Requirement for New Students Living In Any University of Memphis Residence
The State of Tennessee requires all new students under the age of 22 who will be living in a University of Memphis residence to be immunized against meningococcal disease on or after their 16th birthday and provide proof of receiving this immunization before moving into their residence. If this documentation is not provided, students will not be allowed to move into their residence.
Acceptable documents are:
- The Certificate of Immunization form completed and signed by health care provider
- A copy of an official immunization card
- Shot record from your local Public Health Department
- Military form DD214
- Active Military – ID must be provided
- Official documentation from a prior college or university showing immunization dates
- Proof of Immunity
- A positive result for all three components of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) Titer test
- A positive result for the Varicella Zoster IgG (Chicken Pox) test
- Or if diagnosed with the disease of Chicken Pox or Shingles, the student must provide documentation from a healthcare provider (i.e. physician, nurse practitioner, etc) confirming when the student had the disease
MMR - Special Notes
- Graduate students who graduated from a Tennessee high school in May 1999 or after may send a copy of their high school diploma or documentation of 2 MMR immunizations
- Students who graduated from a Tennessee high school between May 1979 and May 1998, must provide documentation of ONE MMR immunization given after their graduation date or documentation of 2 MMR immunizations
The following students are not required to provide MMR documentation:
- If you were born before 1957
- Part-time student (If status changes to full-time, documentation must be provided.)
- Undergraduate student who graduated from a Tennessee high school in May 1999 or thereafter
Varicella/Chicken Pox - Special Notes
- Students who graduated from a Tennessee high school between May 1999 and May 2016, must provide documentation of ONE Varicella immunization given after their graduation date or documentation of 2 Varicella immunizations
The following students are not required to provide Varicella documentation:
- If you were born before January 1, 1980
- Part-time student (If status changes to full-time, documentation must be provided.)
- Students who graduated from a Tennessee high school after June 1, 2016
Meningitis – Special Notes
- Before moving into their residence, new students under the age of 22 and planning to live in a University of Memphis residence must provide proof of receiving the meningitis immunization on or after their 16th birthday. If this documentation is not provided before move-in day, students may not be able to move into their residence.
If documentation is not in English, the student must have the documentation translated into English by an official translator or simply ask their health care provider to complete the Certificate of Immunization Form. When the form is signed by a provider from outside the US, the form must also be stamped with the organizations stamp.
Documentation may be uploaded, faxed, mailed or brought to Student Health Services.
Upload immunization documents at: https://umwa.memphis.edu/immunizations
Our Mailing Address:
Student Health Services
200 Hudson Health Center
Memphis, TN 38152
Our fax numbers:
901.678.3124
901.678.1359
Not able to locate MMR or Varicella documentation? Your options are:
Have the test for immunity
- If any component of the MMR Titer test is not positive, BOTH immunizations must be taken again
- If the Varicella Zoster test is not positive, BOTH immunizations must be taken again
Have both immunizations again
- Because the immunizations must be given 30 days apart, after the student has their first immunization, a temporary 30 day waiver will be given so the student can register for full-time credit hours.
Vaccines are available from various organizations located in the Memphis community. View a partial list of immunization locations.
Note: Exemptions may be requested if the student has an allergy to a vaccine component,
has a valid medical condition which contraindicates receiving the vaccine, or has
religious tenets prohibiting vaccinations.
When immunizations are medically contraindicated, a physician must provide a signed written statement indicating which immunizations are contraindicated and why the immunizations are contraindicated. The letter may be faxed to our office at 901.678.3124 or 901.678.1359.
Religious exemptions may be requested. An original signed and notarized statement, affirmed under penalties of perjury that the vaccination conflicts with the religious tenets and practices of the student must be submitted to Student Health Center.
If an exempted student contracts Measles, Mumps, Rubella, or Varicella, or if a Measles, Mumps, Rubella, or Varicella outbreak occurs, it will be the student’s responsibility to remain off campus until a physician gives written permission for the student to return to campus.