Measles Vaccination Requirement

Please read the letter from Middlebury College below and also visit Middlebury’s Measles Information website, where you’ll find details on the requirements and document examples. The letter includes a link to the website and to the secure upload form. Please plan to upload your document via the secure form by May 20.

When you are ready to upload your document, please:

  1. Be sure to have your Middlebury email and password activated and ready to use. The Middlebury email is needed to access the secure form. 
  2. Please use this naming convention for your proof-of-immunity document:
    YourLastName_YourFirstName_BLWC_YourBannerStudentID

BLWC indicates that you are affiliated with Bread Loaf Writers’ Conferences. You can find your Banner student ID included with the Middlebury email activation note that you received; the ID is also listed on student invoices. 

Dear Summer Programs Participants, 

We look forward to you joining us in Vermont and California soon. As we move into summer and welcome a whole new student population to our campuses, it is especially important to protect your health and that of the campus community. Measles cases have been recently documented in Vermont and are rising both domestically and internationally. For this reason, documented proof of measles immunity or an official vaccination exemption is required for all summer students. There are no exceptions to this requirement. Details about this requirement, the process for demonstrating immunity or submitting and exemption, and frequently asked questions for summer programs are available on Middlebury’s Measles Information website. A summary of expectations and instructions are included below. 

Proof of Immunity 
Valid proof of immunity means one of the following is true and you have provided the associated information to Middlebury via the online secure form: 

  1. You have provided valid documentation of at least one dose of measles vaccine, ideally received at least two weeks before your program start date.*  
  2. You have provided valid documentation of blood test results showing immunity against measles (Measles IgG test).* 
  3. You have provided valid documentation of blood test results showing that you were previously diagnosed with measles.* 
  4. Your date of birth is prior to January 1, 1957, you are assumed to be immune, and you have attested to this on the form.   

*Note that all documentation must be in English or accompanied by an English translation. Middlebury College undergraduates have already provided their immunization documents to the Center for Health and Wellness, and their compliance will be communicated internally to their summer program(s). 

Exemption 
Exemptions are for those who should not take the vaccine for medical reasons or who may not on religious grounds. Students seeking approved exemptions must complete the required exemption document, and upload it to the online secure form. Completed exemption forms must be submitted no later than 3 business days prior to your arrival on campus. Exemptions will not be accepted at or after arrival. Individuals with exemptions are required to create and maintain a plan for immediate exclusion in the event of a measles case or cases on campus. Students excluded from campus are not eligible for any refund or credit of tuition or fees and are responsible for any associated travel costs. Exclusion decisions are at the sole discretion of Middlebury.  

Students Who Arrive Non-Compliant 

Students who arrive without having provided proof of immunity or an approved exemption, will have two options upon arrival to remain enrolled in their program: 

  1. Provide acceptable documentation (in or accompanied by an English translation) demonstrating immunity on arrival. 
  2. Obtain vaccination on arrival. A limited supply will be available at students’ expense, on arrival day, in addition to availability at local pharmacies.  

If unable or unwilling to avail yourself of one of these options, you will not be granted access to your program or campus housing and will be required to depart immediately at your expense. In such instances, any refunds will be according to your program’s published refund policy. 

We recognize that this requirement may require action on your part and regret its necessity. However, the health and safety of our community is our highest priority and so thank you for your prompt cooperation. 

Please direct questions about documentation, exclusion departure plans, exemptions, or completing the form to immunizationverification@middlebury.edu.  

We look forward to seeing you soon.  

Jennifer Grotz, Director, Bread Loaf Writers’ Conferences
Megan Mayhew Bergman, Director, Bread Loaf Environmental Writers’ Conference
Jason Lamb, Coordinator, Bread Loaf Writers’ Conferences
Noreen Cargill, Administrative Director, Bread Loaf Writers’ Conferences