How to Meet the International Student Immunization Requirements at College?
“In order to build a harmonious learning environment and to ensure the health of teachers and students, all freshmen must provide proof of vaccination, otherwise they will not be allowed to attend classes…”
Before you travel to the US for the first time, your university will send you reminder emails that include these lines. Numerous students have contacted us regarding the university’s immunization requirements, but they are unsure of what they are or how to comply with them. Hence, it’s time to discuss with you all what international students should do to get the necessary vaccinations before enrolling in US universities.
Content：
- What vaccinations are often required for admission to US colleges？
- When should students complete their immunization requirements?
- Where should students get immunized?
- What if students did not get immunization before entering the US?
- How much does it cost for vaccinations in the US?
Content
1.What Vaccinations are Often Required for Admission to US Colleges?
1.What Vaccinations are Often Required for Admission to US Colleges?
Immunization requirements may vary by college and state in the US. However, some of the common vaccinations required for college admission include:
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
- Meningococcal
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- Hepatitis B
- TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
It is recommended to check with the specific college you are attending for their immunization requirements, and the following listings are the immunization requirements from several major US colleges:
- UCLA Immunization Requirement
- Mandatory TB & Immunization Program | University Health Services
- UCI TB Screening and Immunization Requirements | UCI Student Health Center
- Entrance Requirements | Stanford Vaden Health Services
- NYU Immunization Requirements
- Immunization Compliance | Wellness at Penn
- Required Immunizations | UChicago Student Wellness | The University of Chicago
2.When should Students Get Immunized?
2.When should Students Get Immunized?
International students entering universities in the US are typically advised to get their vaccinations several months before their arrival, which allows enough time for the vaccinations to take effect and for any potential side effects to subside.
It’s a good idea to check with the specific university for their requirements and deadlines, as some universities may have different timelines and specific requirements for international students. But in general, it’s best to plan ahead and consult with a healthcare provider to ensure you have received all necessary vaccinations and to have a record of them.
3.Where should International Students Get Immunized?
3.Where should International Students Get Immunized?
International students can get their vaccinations from a variety of healthcare providers back in their home countries which are proven by US universities. Some options are as follows:
- Travel clinics: These clinics specialize in providing vaccines for travelers and often have experience in providing the vaccinations required for international students.
- Primary care physicians: International students can also see their primary care physicians in their home country for their vaccinations.
- Local health departments: Some local health departments may provide vaccinations for a lower cost, although the availability and type of vaccines offered may vary.
4.What if students did not get immunized before entering the US?
4.What if students did not get immunized before entering the US?
However, it is highly possible that not all students could have the chances or time to get immunized completely beforehand, thus we are frequently asked about if there is any option to make up those vaccinations after they arrive.
Indeed, students have access to every vaccination in the US, and prior to the start of their semester, they do not need to worry too much about their vaccination status. For their freshmen year, students typically come a bit earlier, and that is the ideal opportunity for them to thoroughly resolve their immunization status by having injections at a nearby clinic or a healthcare provider. It’s also conceivable that some schools have their own clinics for administering vaccinations.
5.How much does it cost for vaccinations in the US?
5.How much does it cost for vaccinations in the US?
The cost of vaccinations in the US can vary depending on several factors such as the type of vaccine, the location, and the individual’s insurance coverage. Most insurance plans can cover the cost of vaccines as a preventive service with no out-of-pocket costs.
Student Medicover offers numerous plans, including Choice, Prime, Elite and Supreme that all cover 100% for vaccines in preventive care. When getting vaccinated, you could simply show your insurance card and go to an in- network clinic to get complimentary vaccination service.
If you are vaccinated at the school clinic, sometimes you need to pay in advance and claim the cost with your insurance company afterward. For details, please see the link below to learn more about how to submit a claim.
If you want to know more information about vaccinations and insurance coverage, please visit our website at: https://smcovered.com/how-it-works/how-to-take-a-vaccine/
Also, you could click here to contact us at any time!
