COVID-19 Vaccine Exemption FAQs

  1. What is considered an allowable medical exemption and/or disability exception to the COVID-19 vaccine? 
    Cerritos College may grant medical exceptions and/or disability exception to this requirement based on (a) Medical Exemption due to a Contraindication or Precaution to COVID-19 vaccination recognized by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or by the vaccines’ manufacturers; (b) Medical Exemption due to COVID-19 diagnosis or treatment within the last 90 days; or (c) Disability, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 ("ADA Amendments Act" or "Act") provided that the individual’s request for such an Exception is supported by a certification from their qualified licensed health care provider. 
     
    A list of established medical contraindications to vaccination can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for Guide to Contraindications at A list of established medical contraindications to vaccination can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for Guide to Contraindications.  
     
    There may be students with disabilities who remain vulnerable to serious consequences from contraction of COVID-19 due to being immunocompromised. Such students may seek reasonable academic adjustments to address these concerns. Accommodation requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis through the interactive process. 
     
    Medical providers are advised to refer to COVID-19 Vaccine Indications for Patients Who Are Immunocompromised when completing the Medical Exemption and/or Disability Exception Request Form.  
     
  2. What is the process for submitting a medical exemption and/or disability exception request? 
    Please refer to the SAS webpage COVID-19 Vaccine Exemptions.
     
  3. What information should I include in my medical exemption and/or disability exception request? 
    If a medical provider elects to provide a medical letter in lieu of the Medical Exemption and/or Disability Exception Request Form, Cerritos College requires the following information be produced in order to effectively evaluate an individual’s request for disability-related COVID-19 accommodations.  
     
    Medical providers should include the following in their medical exemption and/or disability letter:  
    a. Describe the professional relationship with the student on which you are basing your treatment plan (e.g., type of treatment, length/history of relationship). 
    b. Confirm the employee’s or student’s medical condition meets the legal definition of a disability as defined by the ADA. Please refer to ADA Information and Technical Assistance (Diagnosis need not be provided).  
    c. A statement justifying any recommended accommodation must specifically address vulnerabilities of contracting serious complications from COVID-19. If there are recommendations for non-pharmaceutical mitigation measures and academic adjustments that would sufficiently address the concerns, please identify which ones and any combinations that are suggested. 

  4. What if my medical provider recommends fully remote courses be provided as academic accommodation? 
    If the provider believes that there are no non-pharmaceutical interventions and/or academic adjustments that would sufficiently address the disability-related concerns, and are recommending the accommodation of remote participation, the medical provider must:  
    a. Include an estimated end date when the student should be able to resume in-person participation. If there are recommendations on parameters or accommodations to support their return to in-person participation, they are to be provided.  
    b. Describe the relationship between the request for an accommodation as remote participation for disability-related reasons and the barrier impacting the students’ ability to engage in full and meaningful participation in an on-campus experience.  
     
  5. Questions to consider include when producing the information are:  
    a. Compared to their peers, what significant negative impacts will this student face if they participate in courses that are in-person?  
    b. How would remote participation mitigate these negative impacts in a manner that other mitigations will not achieve and in ways that go beyond the typical benefits any individual receives from having online classes?  
    c. Do you believe that remote participation is essential for the student to effectively participate in and benefit from their academic work? 

  6. What if my medical provider recommends fully remote courses or work be provided as an academic accommodation because I have a CDC-recognized COVID-high-risk condition? 
    For students with CDC-recognized COVID-high-risk conditions (e.g., diabetes), the description should include a holistic assessment of the student’s COVID-19-related increased health risks for being on campus, considering their unique medical profile, the latest information on vaccine efficacy, and the university’s safety practices. 
     
  7. What if my medical provider recommends fully remote courses be provided as an academic accommodation but I do not have a COVID-high-risk condition? 
    For students without CDC-recognized COVID- high-risk conditions (e.g., mental health conditions, neurodevelopmental disorders), the description should include an explanation of how the student’s COVID-19-related concerns about being on campus will disproportionately affect them compared to their peers such that remote participation is the only viable option. This impact must go beyond the typical stress or nervousness that most people are expected to feel in readjusting to an in-person experience.  

  8. I have been granted a medical exemption and/or disability exception.  What am I required to do? 
    Individuals who have been granted a medical exemption are still expected to comply with all Return-To-Campus policies regarding COVID-19.  This includes, but is not limited to policies around masking, social distancing, health screening questionnaires, and wristbands.  
     
    You will need to submit proof of weekly negative COVID-19 test in order to access campus.  Accepted tests include polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests or an antigen test administered by a medical provider.  
    Full information on testing available on campus, the process to sign up, and how to upload your information, along with links to alternate testing sites in Los Angeles County, can be found online at: www.cerritos.edu/covid-19/covid-19-testing.     

  9. I was diagnosed with COVID-19 within the past 90-days and/or I had an antibody test showing that I have natural immunity. Do I still need to submit a medical exemption? 
    Yes. Individuals who have recently been diagnosed with COVID-19 or had a positive antibody test do not have a guarantee that they will not get the virus again and/or be able to transmit it to others as they may be a carrier.  As such, you are still required to comply with the vaccine/testing policy unless you are granted an exemption. 
     
  10. I am pregnant and/or lactating and do not want to get vaccinated as a result. What are my options? 
    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends urgent action to increase COVID-19 vaccination among people who are pregnant, recently pregnant (including those who are lactating), who are trying to become pregnant now, or who might become pregnant in the future. CDC strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccination either before or during pregnancy because the benefits of vaccination outweigh known or potential risks.  
     
    Pregnant or lactating students or should consult with their medical provider and follow the procedures above, should medical exemptions be recommended 
     
    Should you wish to proceed with the medical exemption and/or disability exception process to the vaccine policy, you and your medical provider will need to complete the Medical Exemption and/or Disability Exception Request form.  
     
  11. I am a remote student and will never be on campus.  Do I still need to complete the medical exemption process? 
    If you are NEVER on campus and perform your studies/coursework/obtain campus services virtually, you do not need to submit proof of vaccination or weekly testing and therefore do not need to request a medical exemption if you are not vaccinated.  
     
  12. The information regarding my medical condition(s) and vaccine status is private.  Who will have access to this information? 
    Only members of the individual of the Student Review Team will have access to your documents. Upon approval, a notation will be made on your Optimum HQ portal by the Review Team indicating that you are exempt from the vaccine. You still must undergo weekly negative testing in order to be on campus.  
     
  13. How long does the medical exemption review process take? 
    The review process can take up to ten business (10) days from receipt of the exemption request for processing. Exemption submissions will be process as quickly as possible. 
     
  14. How will I receive notice of the outcome of my request? 
    Students will receive an email letter from the Dean of Student Accessibility and Wellness Services with the outcome of your request for exemption.     
     
  15. How long is exemption valid? 
    Medical exemptions from vaccination will be valid through the academic year and/or in accordance with the dates listed in the relevant Board Policies. Should the medical circumstances change, additional review of the exemption request may be needed. The letter you receive from the District regarding the outcome of your request will outline important information, including an expiration date. 
     
  16. My medical exemption and/or disability exception was denied.  Can I appeal the decision? 
    Similar to other colleges and universities, we do not have an appeal process for medical exemptions and/or disability exception. The assessment of a medical exemption and/or disability exception is a lengthy and meticulous process.  While we do not have an appeal process, you are welcome to reapply. 

Return to SAS COVID-19 Vaccine Exemptions page