Letter to Prospective Student and Parents:

It is important to note that in order to complete the admissions process and register for classes in the fall that you must do the following:

1. Return completed health record which includes your medical history, physician examination and documentation of all immunizations listed. You should have received this form in an earlier mailing from the Admissions Office. If you have not received it or have misplaced your form, please contact an admissions representative at 828-5375 as soon as possible and request another form.

2. Due to recent new requirements by Virginia State law, you must either provide documentation from your physician or the local Health Dept. that you have received the meningitis vaccine, or sign and submit a waiver stating that you have read the enclosed information on the availability of the vaccine and the risks associated with meningococcal disease. On the waiver form, you can indicate that you are either in the process of obtaining the vaccine (and will have your physician send documentation immediately), or that you have decided not to receive the vaccine.

The waiver can be signed either on the back of the Health Record or you may make a copy from our website as listed. The Center for Disease Control in Atlanta and the American College Health Association strongly recommend this vaccine, so we suggest that you seriously consider it. We advise that you talk with your health care provider concerning the advantages and the risks of receiving the Meningitis vaccine as a preventative measure. They would know your health history and would be in the best position to make a recommendation concerning this decision.

The above requirements are the result of changes in the Virginia State law; we think they are just as necessary, however, in order for us to insure that we are providing the best protection for you, as well as increasing our ability to provide comprehensive medical health care for you in the event of illness during your time at Bridgewater College.

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. We're looking forward to having you with us at Bridgewater College.

Sincerely,

Linda Bowers, Nurse Director of Health Services