Student Health Services (SHS) must ensure that all new, re-admitted and transfer students meet state and local health requirements. Health requirements are mandatory to register for classes even if you are taking one in-person class. If your classes are ALL ONLINE, you are NOT required to complete the Health Requirements below.
Follow the three steps below to complete your health requirements.
Enter Insurance Information
Please provide us with your insurance information. If you currently do not have insurance, please visit the 'Health Insurance Information' Tab to the left for some affordable health insurance options that are available to you.
You can enter your insurance information online through the Student Health Portal by following these instructions:
- Log in to BearPAWS.
- Open the "New Student Services" link.
- Click on "Student Health Services Portal".
- Select the "Insurance" Tab.
- Select "Add New" and enter ALL your insurance information, including the 3rd Party Policy Holder information - if applicable.
- Then select "Add".
Complete The Online Health Forms
The online forms should be submitted as soon as you receive confirmation of your deposit. Please call (315) 267-2377 or email Student Health Services if you have any questions.
Access the online forms by following these instructions:
- Log in to BearPAWS.
- Open the "New Student Services" link.
- Click on "Student Health Services Portal".
- Complete the Health Information Form, Meningitis Response Form, and Tuberculosis Questionnaire.
Notes
- Submission of a Meningitis Response Form is required by New York State law. Please note that the law does not require you to have a meningitis vaccine, however if you indicate that you have had the meningitis vaccine within the previous 5 years, you must submit proof.
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The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends college students answer a series of questions to screen for tuberculosis risk. Using this method, only some students will need actual testing for tuberculosis.
You will be instructed to have further testing for tuberculosis if you are at risk.
If you are required to have further testing for tuberculosis, it must be completed BEFORE ARRIVING ON CAMPUS. Make an appointment with your medical provider and have them fill out the printable version of the Tuberculosis Testing Form. Your medical provider should follow the steps on the form and fax or mail it to Student Health Services.
Submit proof of Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccines to Student Health Services if you received those vaccines outside of New York State to this secure link.
Address
Student Health Service
44 Pierrepont Ave
Potsdam, NY 13676
Fax: (315) 267-3260
If you are planning to request a medical or religious exemption for the university requirements, see the information below.
Exemptions from NYS Immunization Requirements
Medical Exemption
If a licensed physician or nurse practitioner, or licensed midwife caring for a pregnant student certifies in writing that the student has a health condition which is a valid contraindication to receiving a specific vaccine, then a permanent or temporary (for resolvable conditions such as pregnancy) exemption may be granted. This statement must specify those immunizations which may be detrimental and the length of time they may be detrimental. Provisions need to be made to review records of temporarily exempted persons periodically to see if contraindications still exist. In the event of an outbreak, medically exempt individuals should be protected from exposure. This may include exclusion from classes or campus. Please use the MMR Medical Exemption Form and upload your completed form using this secure link.
Religious Exemption
A student may be exempt from vaccination if, in the opinion of the institution, that student or student's parent(s) or guardian of those less than 18 years old holds genuine and sincere religious beliefs which are contrary to the practice of immunization. The student requesting exemption may or may not be a member of an established religious organization. Requests for exemptions must be written and signed by the student if 18 years of age or older, or parent(s), or guardian if under the age of 18. The institution may require supporting documents. It is not required that a religious exemption statement be notarized. In the event of an outbreak, religious exempt individuals should be protected from exposure. This may include exclusion from classes or campus. Please use the MMR Religious Exemption Form and upload your completed form using this secure link.