Exemption Requests from Vaccination Requirements

The University will consider requests for medical and religious exemptions from required vaccinations.

Medical Exemptions 

Medical exemptions will be considered for an individual whose health practitioner documents a diagnosis of one of the conditions the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) considers a contraindication for the applicable vaccination. Contraindications include a severe allergic reaction after a previous dose or to a component of the vaccine, or a known (diagnosed) allergy to any component of the vaccine.

To submit a request to be granted a medical exemption, download the appropriate form below. You can complete the forms electronically before printing them for signatures.  Please note that both you and your health practitioner will need to complete and sign the appropriate sections. Electronic signatures are not acceptable. 

• Medical exemption request form for all other vaccinations (pdf)

Signed and completed forms should be submitted via the Healthy Broncs portal by the appropriate due date indicated in the chart below. No forms submitted after these dates will be considered. 

Religious Exemptions

You may apply for a religious exemption if you object to vaccination because it conflicts with your sincerely held religious beliefs and practices.

Your religious exemption request should include why you are seeking a religious exemption, the religious principles that guide your objection to immunizations. You will have the opportunity to provide supporting materials.

Requests for exemptions will be carefully considered on a case-by-case basis but are not automatically granted. A philosophical, moral or conscientious objection is not the same as a religious exemption. A general objection to vaccination is not a valid reason for an exemption.  Additionally, requests will be denied if a student submits documentation readily available from an online source (i.e., “certificates” purchased to purport belonging to a congregation that opposes vaccination). 

If after reviewing the request, the Rider University Vaccine Preventable Disease Committee is unable to decide because of inadequate information or questions remain about the religious nature or the sincerity of a particular belief or practice, the Rider University Vaccine Preventable Disease Committee may, at its sole discretion, request additional information, request an interview, or deny your request.

To submit a request to be granted a religious exemption, download the form below. You can complete the forms electronically before printing them for signatures.  You will need to complete and sign the appropriate sections.  The form is an electronically fillable document that requires your actual signature.  An electronic signature will not be accepted.

• Religious exemption form for all vaccinations (.docx)

Signed and completed forms should be submitted via the Healthy Broncs portal by the appropriate due date indicated in the chart below.  No forms submitted after these dates will be considered.

Communicable Disease Related Precautions

Students whose exemptions are granted for communicable disease vaccines may be subject to precautionary measures including but not limited to, surveillance testing, masking, housing reassignment or temporary exclusion from housing or campus in the event of an outbreak or threatened outbreak.  

Exemption Request and Immunization Due Dates