How Do You Find Immunization Requirements For Any University In The USA?

Updated on: 2023-10-24 - 5 mins read

What You Will Learn By Reading This:

  • Steps required to determine university immunization requirements.
  • Why do I need to get vaccinated?
  • Step-by-step guide to getting vaccinated in the US.
  • Updated list of vaccinations for students.
  • Approved COVID-19 vaccines for Indian students enrolling in the US universities.
  • Different universities vaccination requirements.

Before commencing your educational journey in the United States, you must receive mandatory vaccinations, including those typically administered during childhood. These immunizations are a prerequisite for individuals desiring to enroll in on-campus programs at U.S. universities. Moreover, it's worth noting that the U.S. visa vaccination requirements have been revised in response to the recent global pandemic.

In this article, we will provide updated information on the U.S. student visa vaccination requirements for students going to the U.S. So, make sure you read on until the end.

Steps Required To Find Out Immunization Requirements In Universities:

To find immunization requirements for a specific university in the USA, follow these steps:

  • Visit the University's Website:Start by visiting the University's official website you are interested in. Most universities have a dedicated page or section on their website that provides information about health services, including immunization requirements.
  • Search for "Immunization Requirements" or "Health Services":Use the search function on the University's website to look for keywords like "immunization requirements" or "health services." This should direct you to the relevant information.
  • Check the Student Health Services Section:Many universities have a Student Health Services or Health Center section on their website. This is where you're likely to find information about immunization requirements. Look for links or tabs related to health and well-being.
  • Review the Immunization Requirements:Once you've located the health services section, look for details about immunization requirements for incoming students. This information is often available as a list of required vaccines or a downloadable document.
  • Contact the University Health Center:If you need help finding the information online or have specific questions, consider contacting the University's health center or student services office. They can provide you with detailed information about immunization requirements and may even be able to answer any questions you have.
  • Check with the Admissions Office:In some cases, the admissions office may also have information regarding immunization requirements. Feel free to contact them if you need help finding the information elsewhere.
  • Consult Immunization Records:Review your immunization records before contacting the University to see if you have received the required vaccines. This will help you determine what, if any, vaccinations you need to update or obtain.

Remember that immunization requirements vary between universities and states, so you must check the specific requirements for the institution you plan to attend. Additionally, these requirements may change over time, so double-check them as you get closer to your enrollment date to ensure compliance with the latest regulations.

Why Do I Need To Get Vaccinated?

Let's discuss why the immunization process is essential:

In accordance with U.S. Visa and Immigration regulations, vaccinations are obligatory. These regulations mandate that all immigrant visa applicants must receive specific vaccinations as a prerequisite for visa issuance. Thus, compliance with these vaccination requirements is not a matter of choice but a legal requirement.

Furthermore, these mandatory vaccinations have been implemented in U.S. universities to safeguard the health of the U.S. population by mitigating potential health risks and minimizing the likelihood of individuals becoming carriers of infectious diseases.

According to the CDC, for people coming to the USA, vaccinations are made mandatory for at least one of the following:

  • A vaccine designed to safeguard against a disease with the potential to trigger an outbreak or
  • A vaccine intended to provide protection against a disease that has either been eradicated in the United States or is undergoing the process of elimination.

Step-By-Step Guide To Getting Vaccinated In The US:

Step 1: Get Your University's Health Form

The initial step in meeting the vaccination requirements for a U.S. student visa is to acquire the immunization form specific to U.S. universities. If you have already secured admission to a university, you will likely receive the university's Health Form or Health Report.

Alternatively, you can access the Student Health Portal of your chosen university, where you will find information regarding health and immunization requirements for U.S. student visas readily available on the university's website.

Step 2: Familiarize Yourself with the Necessary Vaccinations and Health Criteria

Thoroughly review and take note of the immunization prerequisites outlined in your chosen university's U.S. student visa requirements. It is essential to consult with a licensed physician or healthcare provider as their expertise is crucial for the comprehensive completion of these requirements.

Step 3: Visit a doctor

Do visit your physician and ask them about the U.S. student visa vaccination requirements. Show them the health form. It would help if you got this form filled out by the doctor. The doctor will surely guide you with what to do ahead.

Step 4: Submission of the Completed Form

As a student, you will be provided with a specific deadline by which you must submit the form. Ensuring timely submission is vital to facilitate a smooth and prompt registration process. This completed form should be delivered to the designated administrative office, which may be either the Office of Global Admissions or the Office of International Students, as specified by your university.

Furthermore, it's essential to be aware that certain vaccinations, such as the Hepatitis B vaccine, may require administration over a span of several months. If you happen to miss a dose due to your program's start date, you can inquire with your university representative about the possibility of obtaining the vaccine in the United States. However, it's worth noting that vaccines in the U.S. can be considerably more costly.

Updated List Of Vaccination For Students:

The immunization prerequisites for U.S. universities can fluctuate depending on the particular university and the regulations of the state in which it is located. Nonetheless, there are commonly mandated or highly encouraged standard immunizations for students. The established legal mandates or suggestions for immunizations at U.S. universities typically encompass the following:

  • Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR):Most universities require students to have proof of two doses of the MMR vaccine, typically administered after age one. Some may also accept laboratory evidence of immunity.
  • Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap or Td):Many universities require a Tdap booster, which includes protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). This may be needed every ten years.
  • Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine:Many universities, particularly residential institutions, require students to receive the meningococcal conjugate vaccine, which helps protect against bacterial meningitis. Requirements for this vaccine can vary by state and University.
  • Hepatitis B:Some universities may require proof of hepatitis B vaccination, which is usually administered in a series of three shots over several months.
  • Varicella (Chickenpox):Proof of two doses of the varicella vaccine or evidence of having had chickenpox is often required.
  • Hepatitis A:Some universities may require the hepatitis A vaccine, particularly in states with higher incidence rates.
  • Influenza (Flu) Vaccine:Some universities may strongly recommend or require annual influenza vaccination, especially for students in healthcare-related programs.

It's very important to note that these requirements can vary from one University to another and may change over time, so it's crucial to check the specific immunization requirements of the University you plan to attend. These requirements are typically outlined on the University's website, in their student handbook, or by contacting the University's health services or student affairs office.

Additionally, you should keep accurate immunization records and ensure you're up to date with all required vaccines before starting your studies at a U.S. university. If you have any questions or concerns about immunization requirements, don't hesitate to contact the University's health services or admissions office for clarification.

Accepted Covid-19 Vaccines In The US:

While U.S. visa immunization requirements have traditionally been established, the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted revisions to this vaccination policy. Numerous universities throughout the United States have communicated the necessity for all students, irrespective of their credit load, to be fully or partially immunized using a COVID-19 vaccine authorized by the FDA or included on the WHO's approved list.

It's important to note that only eight COVID-19 vaccines have received recognition from the WHO and are deemed acceptable by U.S. universities. These approved vaccines encompass:

  • Pfizer/BioNTech
  • Three variants of the AstraZeneca vaccine, including Covishield
  • Johnson & Johnson
  • Moderna
  • Sinopharm
  • Sinovac

Approved COVID-19 Vaccines For Indian Students Enrolling In U.S. Universities:

Regarding the accepted COVID vaccines for Indian students planning to study in U.S. universities, it's crucial to note that the Serum Institute of India's Covishield, also known as the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, is the sole WHO-approved vaccine. Consequently, Bharat Biotech's Covaxin is not considered a valid immunization option for U.S. student visas when enrolling in foreign universities.

Furthermore, it's essential to understand that COVID-19 vaccination requirements for U.S. student visas vary based on the specific university. The university may impose one of the following conditions on students before they arrive on campus:

Option 1: Get fully vaccinated

Complete vaccination is considered if two weeks have passed after their second dose in a 2-dose vaccination series (CovidShield, Pfizer, or Moderna vaccines) or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson's Janssen vaccine). Universities, including Brown, Cornell, Columbia, and Northeast, require students to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Option 2: Get at least partially vaccinated

Students intending to join Western University and Trent University have been advised that they should have received at least the initial dose of a two-dose vaccination series, and a minimum of two weeks should have elapsed since this first dose.

Option 3: No Vaccination Required

In scenarios where the university has not enforced mandatory COVID-19 vaccination, it is possible that the university will request students to obtain the vaccination once they arrive in the U.S. It's important to emphasize that all students are still expected to provide documented evidence of their vaccination status to the university.

Different Universities Vaccination Requirements:


1. Oregon State University:

All international students entering OSU must have:

  • Measles, Mumps, And Rubella (MMR):The immunization requirements for measles stipulate that two vaccine doses must be administered, with a minimum interval of 30 days between them, and this should occur on or after the child's first birthday. Alternatively, acceptable documentation includes a physician's record of measles disease or a laboratory test affirming immunity to measles.
    In the case of mumps, the criteria necessitate two vaccine doses, again with a minimum 30-day separation, administered on or after the child's first birthday. Valid documentation comprises a physician's verification of mumps disease or a lab test confirming immunity to mumps.
    As for rubella, one vaccine dose is mandated, administered on or after the child's first birthday. Alternatively, acceptable documentation includes a lab test verifying immunity to rubella.
  • Meningococcal Mcv4 - 1 Dose:Students under the age of 22 must furnish documentation confirming they have received at least one dose of meningococcal quadrivalent (MCV4) after reaching the age of 16.
  • Varicella - 2 Doses:All students must have varicella (chickenpox) vaccination, and the date of disease is an acceptable form of compliance if documented.
  • Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (TDAP) - 1 DoseImmunization for tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap) dose received within the last ten years.

2. University Of Cincinnati:

Your required immunizations include:

  • Hepatitis B:3 Hepatitis B vaccine doses OR 2 Heplisav-B doses OR Hepatitis B surface antibody (HBSAB) titer*
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella):2 vaccine doses OR MMR titer*
  • Meningitis A (Meningococcal Quadrivalent):One dose if you are 16 to 21 years of age. The dose must be given on/after the 16th birthday.
  • Tuberculosis:IGRA blood test (QuantiFERON or T-Spot)
  • Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Acellular Pertussis):One dose given within the past ten years.
  • Varicella:2 vaccine doses OR Varicella antibody (VZVIgG) titer.

3. Purdue University:

Required immunizations are:

  • Rubeola (Measles, MMR):doses of live vaccine administered after the first birthday and at least 28 days apart.
  • Rubella (MMR):2 doses of live vaccine administered after the first birthday and at least 28 days apart.
  • Mumps (MMR):2 doses of live vaccine administered after the first birthday and at least 28 days apart.
  • Tetanus Diphtheria (Td or Tdap):At most ten years before starting classes.
  • Meningitis (Men Quad/Conjugate, MCV4):One dose on or after the 16th birthday if 23 years or younger.
  • Meningococcal B (Separate from Meningitis):2 doses of the same brand (Bexsero or Trumenba), if 23 or younger.

Find out the immunization requirements for universities in USA:

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