I believe many students who are about to start their fall semester have already been bombarded with vaccination reminder emails from their schools and are getting a headache, right?
Getting an offer doesn't mean everything is done. There are still important post-admission matters to attend to. Things like vaccinations and pre-departure medical exams need to be taken seriously, otherwise they could cause unnecessary trouble.
Vaccination Requirements
U.S. law explicitly states: "All new students must provide complete vaccination records before they can enroll and attend classes; otherwise, they will not be allowed on campus. If a student is found to have not provided complete vaccination records, they may bear corresponding legal liability."
Health laws vary by state in the U.S., and each school's vaccination requirements also differ greatly. For example, Columbia University in New York State, the University of Pennsylvania in Pennsylvania, and the University of Southern California in California have different vaccination requirements:
Columbia University - Vaccination Requirements:
University of Pennsylvania - Vaccination Requirements:
University of Southern California - Vaccination Requirements:
In summary, the vaccination requirements of various schools mainly include, but are not limited to:
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) - Measles, Mumps, Rubella vaccine
Tdap (Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis) - Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis vaccine
Hepatitis B - Hepatitis B vaccine
Varicella (Chicken Pox) - Chickenpox vaccine
Meningococcal - Meningococcal meningitis vaccine
Tuberculosis (TB) - Tuberculosis screening
Some vaccines you may have received in childhood, but if they have expired or if no antibodies are found within the protection period, you will still need to be revaccinated.
Also, some vaccines require more than one dose. For example, the common MMR vaccine requires two shots at least four weeks apart. Therefore, it is recommended that you start preparing as soon as possible, usually about two months before departure.
Get Vaccinated at Home or in the U.S.?
There are different opinions on whether to get vaccinated first in your home country or wait until you arrive in the U.S.
Some students say: In China, the required vaccines are generally available, so it's better to get it done early to avoid hassle after going abroad. Others say: U.S. university health insurance usually covers vaccine costs, so you can get some cheaper vaccines in your home country to have your little yellow book (International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis) ready for any exit checks, and then get the rest in the U.S.
But for most students, especially first-time study abroad students, getting vaccinated in their home country is much more convenient than in the U.S., not to mention many students haven't even had time to understand their health insurance yet.
CheersYou（清柚教育） here advises students to complete vaccinations, medical exams, etc. before going abroad to ensure everything is in order and to avoid missing deadlines. Of course, for vaccines not provided by health centers, or vaccines like HPV that are not widely available in China, you can wait until you are abroad to get them.
Is a Physical Exam Required?
Regarding physical exams, many U.S. universities do not strictly require them. The little red book (International Travel Health Examination Certificate) is mainly for random checks during exit, but the chance of being checked is not high.
However, some Travel Health Centers in China require a physical exam before vaccination, and now Chinese citizens approved to study abroad for more than one year can get a free physical exam with documents like passport, I-20, and offer letter. So it doesn't hurt to get a free exam while you're at it, giving yourself peace of mind and being prepared for any eventuality.
Vaccination and Physical Exam Process
Step 1:
Be sure to first check the school's official website for vaccination requirements. If you can't find the page, search with keywords like "upenn immunization requirements" (preferably on Google), and the official result will usually appear on the first page.
Step 2:
Download the relevant forms and print them out. Similarly, if you can't find the page, search again, e.g., "nyu immunization history form". Then, try to find your previous vaccination records.
Step 3:
Students still in China
You can make an appointment with your local International Travel Health Center and have the staff there help you fill out the forms, transfer your previous vaccination records to the vaccine certificate, and then get any necessary catch-up vaccinations and physical exam.
It is recommended to bring the following documents:
1) 2-inch color photo
2) ID card or passport
3) Childhood vaccination certificate (used for transferring vaccination records; if lost, it is recommended to get it reissued)
4) The vaccination forms and other related forms issued by the U.S. university
5) If you have changed your name, please bring the original and a copy of the household registration booklet
Specific requirements, fees, processing locations, and precautions can be found on the official website of each provincial/municipal center.
Shanghai International Travel Health Center official website:
Please remember: be sure to make an appointment! Make an appointment on the center's official website at least 2-3 days in advance, otherwise you will not be received.
If you have any questions, you can ask the staff on site; they have handled countless cases of international students' vaccinations and physical exams, and are very familiar with the process.
After everything goes smoothly, you will receive the little red book (International Travel Health Examination Certificate), little yellow book (International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis), and the signed vaccine forms (remember to scan a copy for your records and bring them to the university together).
Students already in the U.S.
If you can't find your previous vaccination records, for example, undergraduate students who have previously submitted such forms can go directly to their original school's health center to ask for their vaccination records and have the staff there help fill out the forms. Follow the advice and arrangements of the staff there.
Step 4:
Upload the relevant forms on the school's Student Health Portal, fill in relevant health history, and after submission, wait for the school's confirmation reply.
The school's official website usually has a step-by-step guide for using the portal. If you can't find it, Google it with keywords like "school name + health portal + instructions".
Every year from May to August is the peak season for vaccinations and pre-departure physical exams. I hope that while enjoying your summer vacation, you will also complete your vaccination and physical exam as soon as possible to start the new semester relaxed and happy.
CheersYou（清柚教育） has also thoughtfully prepared an article on pre-departure preparation for students: 'Pre-departure Preparation Guide' Essential Pre-departure Tips for Study Abroad Students You Can't Miss! I hope all students can successfully enroll in their dream universities!
