Immunization - First-Year Students
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First-Year Student Immunization Recommendations
Starting college is a big transition, and staying healthy is key to making the most of it. UofL strongly encourages all incoming first-year students to be up to date on routine childhood immunizations and to complete a tuberculosis screening before arriving on campus.
Vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks continue to occur on and near college campuses across the country. Living and learning in close proximity to others, especially in on-campus housing, increases the risk of exposure. Being vaccinated protects you and those around you and helps prevent the disruptions an outbreak can cause to your academic experience.
UofL's immunization recommendations are based on guidance from the American College Health Association (ACHA), the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Core Recommendations
- Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) — 1 dose within the last 10 years
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) — 2 doses, or a positive antibody blood test
- Hepatitis B — 3 doses, or a positive antibody blood test
- Varicella (Chickenpox) — 2 doses, positive antibody blood test, or physician documentation of prior disease
- Quadrivalent Meningococcal Vaccine — 1 dose after age 16
- Meningococcal B — 2-dose series
Additional Suggestions
- Annual Flu vaccine
- Hepatitis A - 2-dose series
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) - 3-dose series
- COVID-19 - 2-dose series or single-dose vaccine
Tuberculosis Screening
UofL also recommends that all incoming students complete a TB screening. Please fill out the Incoming Student Tuberculosis Screening Questionnaire and submit it along with your immunization records.
Need a printable checklist? Download and print the TB Screening and Immunization Checklist here.
How to Submit Your Records
- Bring a copy of your documents to your scheduled orientation — do not bring originals
- Or email a copy to vaccinerecords@louisville.edu
Please allow 15 days for Campus Health to process your records.
Immunizations are not required for enrollment at the University of Louisville. However, they are strongly recommended. Staying up to date on vaccinations protects your health, the health of those around you, and helps ensure your academic experience isn't interrupted by a preventable illness.
Please submit your vaccine documentation no later than the first day of classes of your first semester.
Please bring a copy of your immunization records and completed forms to your orientation session. Campus Health Services staff will be there to assist you.
Acceptable documentation includes a state immunization certificate and/or vaccine administration or medical records. For any Antibody Blood Titer (IgG) test submitted as proof of positive immune status, a full copy of the lab result report is required.
If official immunization records are unavailable, please complete the following:
- Receive a Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) vaccine
- Receive one Meningococcal vaccine (Menactra or Menveo) at age 16 or older, regardless of any doses received prior to age 16
- If you believe you received typical childhood vaccinations or had the illnesses, you may have the following antibody (IgG) blood tests drawn in place of records: Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella (Chickenpox), and Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis A vaccine (optional)
No. Campus Health can bill most routine vaccines to your medical insurance plan, or offer discounted cash prices for same-day payment by check or credit card. Our staff is happy to help you figure out the most affordable and efficient way to meet your immunization needs.
That said, it is your responsibility to verify coverage with your insurance carrier before receiving services. Payment depends on your plan's benefits and restrictions, and Campus Health is not responsible for charges that are not covered by your plan or that are applied to your deductible.
Please note that Campus Health is unable to bill certain Medicaid plans due to network restrictions. Contact our Insurance Advocate at 502-852-6519 with any questions about Medicaid coverage.
A physician's document confirming a prior chickenpox infection is required. If you do not have physician documentation, you will need to submit a positive Varicella antibody (IgG) blood test result instead.
You may visit any community healthcare provider or clinic. On campus, vaccines and lab work are available at either Campus Health location — Cardinal Station or the Health Sciences Center.
While immunizations are not required, they are strongly recommended for the health and safety of our campus community. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to our immunization coordinators at vaccinerecords@louisville.edu or 502-852-6479.
While immunizations are not required, they are strongly recommended for the health and safety of our campus community. If you have questions or concerns, contact our immunization coordinators at vaccinerecords@louisville.edu or 502-852-6479, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.