Vaccinations

Vaccination Requirements for Students at Iowa State University

For many students, the required vaccinations were already received throughout childhood. If you are missing a required vaccine, you must receive that vaccine in order to continue attending Iowa State. Occasionally, a student may have already received the required vaccinations but did not submit or submitted incomplete vaccine history. In this case, we ask that you provide a complete vaccination history. Instructions for doing so are included below for United States native students or international students.

United States Students

Compliance with Iowa State University’s immunization policy is an important first step for all incoming students and helps ensure a safe and healthy campus and community. Documentation of the required immunizations is due by July 31 for summer and fall semester entries and November 30 for spring entries. If you do not provide the information by that date, it may interfere with your ability to register for classes the next semester.

Submit Immunization Records Online

• You will create a password and accept the terms and conditions
• Always select USA as the country
• Your name and birth date information should be automatically filled in
• Gender selection is optional
• Be sure to allow notifications and location services when prompted to allow for appointment reminders and check-ins

After registration, you will have a task in your "To-Do" section for submitting immunization history.

Finding Your Records

Your immunization records can be obtained from your health care provider’s office. They may also be available from your high school or from other colleges or universities you have attended. Public health department and military records are also acceptable. Please note that all immunization dates and tests must include the month, day, and year.

Immunization Requirements

Iowa State University follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for student immunization requirements. View domestic student immunization requirements form.

Measles Requirements

ISU requires that all new (including transfer and graduate) students born on or after January 1, 1957, show proof of immunization or immunity to measles. Measles immunizations may be found on your immunization record listed as Measles, MMR, MR, or Rubeola (titer).

To meet the requirement, you must provide ONE of the following:

1. Proof of two measles and/or combination measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccination dates. The first measles vaccination must be administered after one year of age; the second measles vaccination must be administered at least 28 days after the first vaccination,

2. Proof of immunity to measles by positive rubeola (measles) titer or history of measles disease, OR

3. Proof of religious or medical exemption by submitting the appropriate Iowa Department of Public Health Exemption Form.

If you need a measles immunization, you may schedule an appointment at student health. New students are eligible to receive vaccinations at the student health center beginning at the time of New Student Orientation and throughout the summer prior to semester starting. Please note there will be charges associated with vaccines. You may also visit your current health care provider or contact your county health department for vaccinations.

Meningitis Vaccination

The State of Iowa requires that all colleges and universities provide information on the meningitis vaccination to incoming students. If you will be living in the residence halls, it is recommended by the CDC that you receive this vaccination. This vaccination is not required, but it is recommended. If you have already received the meningitis vaccination, you will be prompted to document the vaccination on the immunization submission site.

There are two different immunizations needed to protect against Meningitis. One protects against Meningitis serogroups A, C, W, and Y. The other vaccine protects against Meningitis serogroup B. We recommend our students receive both vaccines to protect against all vaccine preventable serogroups of meningitis.

Covid-19 Vaccination

While ISU is not requiring the COVID vaccine, we would like to encourage all students to be fully vaccinated when coming to campus. Thielen Student Health Center offers the COVID vaccine for Iowa State University Students. Please call to schedule an appointment. (515-294-5801)

Tuberculosis Testing

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a bacterium called mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but TB bacteria can attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain. If not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal. For basic facts on tuberculosis, please visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s tuberculosis page.

It is recommended by the CDC for any incoming student who has traveled internationally to areas of high risk for tuberculosis, be screened for this illness. All incoming students will be prompted to answer questions regarding TB exposure when completing the immunization requirement.

If you need a tuberculosis test, you may schedule an appointment at student health. For more detailed information on the incidence of tuberculosis, visit the World Health Organization.

Please email Cyclonehealth@iastate.edu or call 515-294-5801 if you have additional questions.

International Students

The Thielen Student Health Center looks forward to being your medical home away from home while you are here at Iowa State University. Listed below is a list of health requirements you need to meet before you come to campus. Please complete the tasks on this checklist to help you prepare and a list of what to bring with you when you come.

Prior to Your Arrival

On acceptance to Iowa State – begin months prior to arrival:

• Complete the Immunization Requirement form to bring with you to campus
  • This form must be signed by a medical provider. We also ask you to bring supporting copies of original immunization documents labeled with your full name and date of birth.
  • If you’ve had previous testing for tuberculosis, please bring copies of these medical records including any lab reports or chest radiology reports.

  Within One Month of Arrival to Iowa State:

  • Schedule your required in-person health orientation visit at Thielen.
  • Download, sign, and print the Thielen Student Health Center Consent for Services and Communication form and bring a copy to your health orientation visit.
    • If you will be under the age of 18 when arriving on campus, it is mandatory that this form contain the signature of parent or guardian.

    Health Orientation Visit

    During your health orientation visit, you will meet with a member of the TSHC clinical staff to complete the following:

    • Review resources available to Iowa State Students within the Student Health and Wellness unit.
    • Review of immunization records and assistance with completion of ISU immunization requirements.
    • Review any health concerns and receive assistance with transfer of care needed by incoming students based on their individual needs.
    • Receive information regarding the Student and Scholar Health Insurance Program (SSHIP).
    • Assistance with connecting to other resources, as requested.

    Immunization Requirements

    Iowa State University follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for student immunization requirements. These requirements are also found on the International Immunizations Form.

    Measles Requirements

    ISU requires that all new (including transfer and graduate) students born on or after January 1, 1957, show proof of immunization or immunity to measles. Measles immunizations may be found on your immunization record listed as Measles, MMR, MR, or Rubeola (titer).

    To meet the requirement, you must provide ONE of the following:

    1. Proof of two measles and/or combination measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccination dates. The first measles vaccination must be administered after one year of age; the second measles vaccination must be administered at least 28 days after the first vaccination,

    2. Proof of immunity to measles by positive rubeola (measles) titer or history of measles disease, OR

    3. Proof of religious or medical exemption by submitting the appropriate Iowa Department of Health and Human Services exemption form.

    Meningitis Requirements

    The State of Iowa requires that all colleges and universities provide information on the meningitis vaccination to incoming students. If you will be living in the residence halls, it is recommended by the CDC that you receive this vaccination. This vaccination is not required, but it is recommended. If you have already received the meningitis vaccination, you will be prompted to document the vaccination on the immunization submission site.

    There are two different immunizations needed to protect against Meningitis. One protects against Meningitis serogroups A, C, W, and Y. The other vaccine protects against Meningitis serogroup B. We recommend our students receive both vaccines to protect against all vaccine preventable serogroups of meningitis.

    Tuberculosis Testing

    Tuberculosis testing will be repeated upon arrival, but if you have previous records of testing from another United States University please complete and return this Release of Information so that we have that for our records. Tuberculosis testing for international students is done with a blood test rather than a skin test that you may have previously had and will be explained further during your visit.

    Health Insurance Information

    For mandatory international student insurance information, please visit the Iowa State University Student and Scholar Health Insurance Program’s site.

    Have other medical questions?

    Please feel free to email us at immrequirements@iastate.edu. A member of our staff will respond to you as they are able. Please allow 72 hours for response as volume of emails can be high prior to new students arriving each semester.

    As a student who is part of a large student body, it is very important that you stay up-to-date on all recommended vaccinations.

    A form with recommended vaccines for students is available here.

    COVID-19 Vaccination

    Getting vaccinated is a core prevention strategy to lower the risk of developing severe illness from respiratory viruses. Getting vaccinated is one way to protect yourself when COVID-19 transmissions are high, or if you or the people around you are at risk for severe illness.

    To learn more about COVID-19 vaccines including how vaccines works, safety, and recommended vaccine schedules please visit the CDC COVID-19 Vaccine webpage.

    Please remember that staff and faculty may not ask students or employees if they have received the vaccine or if they plan to be vaccinated.

    The COVID-19 Vaccine is Safe, Effective and Free.

    Iowa State strongly encourages students, faculty, and staff to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Thielen Student Health Center (TSHC) offers COVID-19 vaccinations to students - to make an appointment call (515) 294-5801.

    Iowa State employees are encouraged to contact their personal medical care provider for vaccination options.

    For additional information on vaccine availability near you:

    • Visit vaccines.gov.
    • Text your zip code to 438-829
    • Call 1-800-232-0233

    Flu Vaccinations

    Student Health provides flu vaccinations to students by appointment or on a walk-in basis during flu season.

    Other Vaccinations

    Thielen can provide almost any regularly available vaccination. This includes measles, meningitis, HPV (Gardisil), COVID-19, and others as requested.

    Vaccines for Travel

    Thielen Student Health Center can provide the information and advice you need to prepare for international travel. Depending on your destination, there may be additional vaccination requirements. The staff at Thielen can help you determine what vaccines, if any, could be required.

    If you are planning an international trip, here's what to know and do ahead of time:

    • Complete and submit the Traveler History Form (PDF) and gather all previous and current vaccination records
      • Submit the completed form and vaccination records by emailing to shctravel@iastate.edu
      • Please note: travel questionnaire must be completed and submitted with all previous and current vaccination information BEFORE your appointment.