Immunization & Insurance Information

Immunization Information

Kutztown University is committed to fostering a safe, healthy, and supportive learning environment for all students. University students are considered high risk for exposure and transmission of vaccine-preventable diseases because of close living environments, social activities, shared spaces, and other conditions unique to university life. Preventing the spread of communicable diseases is a shared responsibility among students, families, healthcare providers, and the University. While vaccination is a safe, effective, and cost-efficient tool to help prevent the spread of serious and potentially life-threatening diseases, we recognize and respect that individuals may have differing beliefs related to vaccination, medical contraindications, or an inability to obtain records. 

Beginning this fall, all students are required to take action in their KU Student Health Portal by August 3rd. All Kutztown University students are required to either submit proof of immunity OR formally acknowledge the health risks and campus exclusion practices that may be enacted should a student without documented immunity be exposed to a communicable illness. Such vaccine-preventable illnesses include measles, mumps, chickenpox, pertussis, and/or any other vaccine-preventable disease, per the discretion of the Pennsylvania Department of Health.  

Having proof of immunity readily available helps us provide a timely response and protect everyone’s health in the event a potentially life-threatening disease is diagnosed within our community. 

 What is proof of immunity? 

  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR/MMRV): Two (2) doses administered at least 28 days apart after 12 months of age, or positive titer results (blood work) 
  • Varicella (Chicken Pox): Two (2) doses of vaccine administered at least 12 weeks apart if vaccinated between 1-12 years of age, and at least 28 days apart if vaccinated at age 13+, or positive titer results (blood work) 
  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis (Tdap): One dose within the past 10 years 

 *Additionally, Pennsylvania State Law prohibits a student from residing in campus housing unless the student has received a one-time booster vaccination against meningococcal disease (Meningococcal ACWY). Students without proof of this vaccination must sign a waiver prior to move-in day. Please contact  for more information about this requirement.  

Where can students obtain records? 

  • Pediatrician/primary care provider patient care portal (e.g. MyLVHN, MyChart, etc.)  
  • High school/K-12 records 
  • State electronic immunization registry (PA residents click here, and scroll down to the "Immunization Records" to request your record. Non-PA residents should visit their state's Department of Health website for registry information.) 

Am I required to be vaccinated? 

 No. The University recognizes that some students may not provide vaccination records or proof of immunity for a variety of reasons, including medical considerations, personal or religious beliefs, or inability to obtain records.  

 Students are required to submit proof of immunity OR formally acknowledge that they understand the health risks and campus exclusion practices that may be enacted should a student without documented immunity be exposed to a vaccine-preventable communicable illness. Exclusion from campus may include restrictions from attending classes, examinations, residence halls, dining facilities, campus offices, student activities, athletic participation, internships, clinical placements, commencement ceremonies, and other University-sponsored programs. Kutztown University will not provide housing for excluded students. The length of exclusion varies with illness and is determined by the PA Department of Health. 

 For instance, if a student is exposed to measles and cannot produce medically documented proof of immunity, the student will need to leave campus for up to 21 days.  

 Follow these steps to upload proof of immunity to the Student Health Portal:  

  1. Log in to the Kutztown University Student Health Portal using your myKU username and password. 

2.  Click on “Document Upload” (if you are using a cell phone, this is found under the menu icon). 

3.  Select “Immunizations” from the Document Type dropdown menu. 

4.  Upload documentation (PDF, JPEG, TIFF, or PNG). 

5.  Click “Save” 

 If you do not have proof of immunity and would like to request the Communicable Disease Exposure & Possible Exclusion Acknowledgment form, please call the KU Health Center at 610-683-4082.

Insurance Information

Kutztown University does not require students to carry medical insurance while enrolled, and does not offer a Student Health Insurance Plan. However, medical insurance is strongly encouraged as emergencies happen unexpectedly, and college students get sick more frequently than others and experience high levels of stress and irregular sleep patterns. 

If you are a Pennsylvania resident, it may be helpful to visit https://pennie.com/ to start your search. The federal marketplace is also still available to all US residents to find individual plans or more information about Medicaid programs: www.healthcare.gov.