Section VIII - Handbook Glossary and Cross-References

This section contains cross-references and explanations of words, terms, abbreviations and phrases used in this handbook.

Acceptable Proof of Immunity
See Section I.
Antigen
This is a substance that when introduced into the body stimulates a protective immune response.
Attendance
See Section I.
Certificate of Immunization
See Section I.
College
In this handbook, the words college, university, post-secondary institution, institution and school are used interchangeably. (See definition for Institution)
Contraindication
This refers to any medical condition or circumstance involving an individual's health history or current health status, which would make it inadvisable for an individual to be immunized with any of the available preparations of a vaccine. (See Section III and Appendices G and H.)
DTaP or DTP (also DPT)
This vaccine is NOT required of college students, but may be included on the student's complete immunization record. This is a vaccine that combines diphtheria, tetanus toxoids, and pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine. DTaP or DTP can be administered up to the seventh birthday.
DT (Pediatric)
This is a preparation of tetanus and diphtheria toxoids recommended for children under seven years of age who have a medical contraindication to the pertussis component of DTP. This vaccine is NOT required of post-secondary students, but may be noted on submitted health records.
EIPV
This refers to enhanced-potency inactivated polio vaccine. This is the intramuscular injectable polio vaccine currently in use and has been available since March 1988. It replaces the IPV or Inactivated Polio Vaccine also known as Salk vaccine. This vaccine is NOT required of post-secondary students but may be noted on submitted health records.
Exclusion
See Section I.
Exempt/Exemptions
See Section I.
Full-time Student
See Section I.
German Measles
See definition for Rubella and Appendix D.
Human Papilloma virus (HPV)
HPV vaccines, depending on the type administered, have the ability to prevent cervical cancer and/or genital warts. HPV vaccine is NOT required for post-secondary students, but is recommended (see recommendations below).
  • GARDASIL is licensed for administration to females and males 9 to 26 years of age; the recommended time for administration is 11 to 12 years of age. Girls/young women and boys/young men ages 13 through 26 should get HPV vaccine if they have not received any or all doses when they were younger.
  • CERVARIX is licensed for administration to females 10 to 25 years of age; the recommended time for administration is 11 to 12 years of age. Girls and young women ages 13 through 26 should get HPV vaccine if they have not received any or all doses when they were younger.
Immunization Survey
This refers to the annual immunization assessment questionnaire for post-secondary institutions developed by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and mandated by PHL Section 2165.
Immunizing Agents
This means the vaccines administered for the purpose of protecting an individual against disease.
Institution
This means a college, university or other post-secondary institution of higher education authorized to confer degrees.
Inadequately Immunized Student
This means any student who has not completed the number of doses of measles, mumps and rubella vaccines currently required or who has not produced other acceptable evidence of immunity to measles, mumps or rubella.
In the Process of Receiving Immunization
This term may be applied to any student who has received at least one dose of each antigen and has an appropriately spaced appointment(s) to receive the remainder. (See Section I.)
IPV
This refers to Inactivated Polio Vaccine or the intramuscular injectable killed polio vaccine and is also known as Salk vaccine. (See also definition for EIPV.)
MMR
This is a vaccine that combines measles, mumps and rubella antigens.
MR (no longer available)
This is a vaccine that combines measles and rubella antigens.
Measles
This disease is also know as rubeola, 10 day measles, red measles or hard measles, it is one of the most communicable of all diseases. (See Appendix D.)
Medical Exemption
See Section I.
Meningococcal Meningitis
This is a severe bacterial infection of the bloodstream or meninges which is the thin lining covering the brain and spinal cord (See Appendix D).
Meningitis Law
This refers to PHL Section 2167 which requires post-secondary institutions to distribute information about meningococcal disease and vaccination to all students enrolled for at least 6 semester hours or the equivalent per semester, or at least 4 semester hours per quarter and obtain meningococcal meningitis response form. (See Section I and Appendix D.)
Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccination Response Form
This refers to an approved NYSDOH form required by PHL Section 2167 for college students. (See sample form at Appendix E).
Minor
This refers to a student who has not yet reached the age of 18 and who is not an emancipated minor.
Mumps
This is an acute, viral illness characterized by fever, and swelling and tenderness of one or more salivary glands. (See Appendix D.)
OPV
Oral Polio Vaccine, which is sometimes called Sabin vaccine, is NOT required for post-secondary students, but it may be noted on submitted health records.
Part-time Student
See Section I.
Physician's Diagnosis
This is a statement from the diagnosing physician, physician assistant or certified nurse practitioner that a student has had a particular disease.
Prior School
This refers to a previously attended post-secondary institution or secondary school.
Proof of Compliance
This means acceptable proof that the student has received required immunizations, has provided other acceptable proof of immunity (i.e., serology, physician's diagnosis of disease) or is exempt for medical or religious reasons.
Recommended Immunizations
These are immunizations that are not required by PHL Section 2165, but are recommended for maximum protection against disease. Travel, occupation, age, and health status are variables that should be considered for recommended immunizations. Contact your local health department for additional information.
Religious Exemption
This is an exemption that applies to a person (or if the student is a minor, the parent(s) or guardian) who holds genuine and sincere religious beliefs which are contrary to the practice of immunization. (See Section I.)
Rubella
This is also known as German Measles or the three-day measles. Generally a mild illness, rubella can cause severe abnormalities in a developing fetus.
(See Appendix D.)
Rubeola
See definition for Measles and Appendix D.
School
In this handbook, the words college, university, post-secondary institution, institution and school are used interchangeably.
Serological Proof of Immunity
This refers to results of a blood test that indicates the presence of antibodies against a disease. Positive serological test results are acceptable proof of immunity for measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, hepatitis B and polio. For polio serological test results to be acceptable, all three serotypes need to be positive. (See Section I)
Student
This means a student as defined by PHL Section 2165 (1)(b). (See Section I and Appendix A.)
Susceptible
This refers to any person who is not adequately immunized against or has no history of a particular disease and is, therefore, likely to contract the disease(s) in the event of exposure.
Td
This is a vaccine that combines tetanus and diphtheria toxoids and is administered to people aged seven and older. It should be repeated every 10 years. (This vaccine is NOT required for college attendance by PHL Section 2165, but it is recommended and may be noted on submitted health records.)
Tdap (ADACEL or BOOSTRIX)
This is an adult tetanus and diphtheria containing toxoid vaccine combined with acellular pertussis vaccine approved in 2005. (This vaccine is NOT required for college attendance by PHL Section 2165, but is recommended and may be noted in submitted health records.)
Transfer Immunization Record
This is a record of vaccination dates, disease history or serology submitted from a student's previous school. The original source of information must have been from the health practitioner administering the vaccine, diagnosing the disease or ordering (or performing) the blood test. (See Appendix J.)
Unimmunized Student
Refers to any student who has not received one or more of the required vaccines.