Entry and study in the USA bring special requirements regarding health prerequisites. Many American universities place great emphasis on preventive healthcare and require international students to submit certain vaccinations and health records. This guide will help you better understand the requirements and optimally prepare for your arrival and studies in the USA.
The health regulations of American universities are aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of all students on campus. They serve to prevent the spread of communicable diseases and ensure that every student, regardless of origin and health status, receives the best possible care. Especially in shared living spaces and classrooms, a lack of vaccination coverage can quickly become a health risk for the entire campus community.
Furthermore, these records may also be required for the application of the I-20 document and the F-1 visa. Without the required records, there may be delays in registration and enrollment.
The exact vaccinations you need vary from university to university. Most colleges provide a detailed list of required vaccinations, often sent along with the Medical Health Form. These forms must often be completed and returned to the university before the start of the semester. They can be confirmed by your doctor or an official health authority.
However, you should generally be able to provide proof of the following standard vaccinations:
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
Two doses after the 1st year of life
Hepatitis B
Three doses as part of the standard vaccination
Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap)
Boosted every 10 years
Varicella (Chickenpox)
Two doses or proof of a past infection
Meningococcal ACWY
Especially important for students living in dormitories
Polio Vaccination
Applies to students who did not receive basic immunization in earlier years
Flu Vaccination (optional)
Many universities recommend the annual flu shot
Some universities require additional vaccinations or tests to ensure that there are no health risks. Here are some common requirements:
Tuberculosis Test (TB Test):
This test can be performed as a skin test (Mantoux test) or a blood test (IGRA).
Often required if you come from a country with a higher tuberculosis prevalence.
Sickle Cell Blood Test:
This test is particularly required for NCAA athletes. It checks for the presence of sickle cell anemia, a genetic disorder that can lead to athletic limitations.
This test is not routinely part of preventive care checkups in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, so you should discuss this specifically with your doctor.
Meningococcal B Vaccination (Bexsero or Trumenba):
This vaccination is recommended for students living in communal housing, as the risk of meningitis infection is higher in these settings.
To obtain the required vaccinations, you should contact your family doctor as early as possible. They can help you check your vaccination status and administer any necessary booster shots. Here are some steps you should follow:
Contact your doctor early: Ask if all standard vaccinations have been administered and if additional vaccinations are necessary.
Check your vaccination record and get any necessary boosters: Some vaccinations, such as tetanus, need to be boosted every 10 years.
Obtain an international vaccination record: If you do not have one, have an international vaccination record issued, in which all administered vaccinations are recorded in English.
Plan the Tuberculosis Test: If a TB test is required, it should be performed in the weeks before your departure. The skin test usually needs to be read 48-72 hours later.
After all required vaccinations are completed, you must submit the records to the university. This is usually done through the Medical Health Form you receive from the university. Make sure the following information is included on the records:
Full name (as in passport)
Date of birth
Date of vaccination(s) administered
Name of vaccine
Physician's signature and possibly clinic/practice stamp
Examples of typical submission procedures:
By email: Many universities accept digital copies of vaccination records and forms that you can send directly to the university's health department.
Upload to the online portal: Many universities have a specific online portal where all medical documents must be uploaded.
By mail: Some universities require the original documents or certified copies. In this case, be sure to choose a secure shipping method.
If your university wishes the documents to be submitted by email, you can use the following template:
Example Email
Subject: Health Records Submission - [Your Name] - [Student ID]
Dear Health Services Team,
My name is [Your Name], and I am an incoming international student for the [Program of Study] program at [University]. Attached you will find the completed Medical Health Form and vaccination records as required. Please let me know if you need any additional information.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Student ID (if available)]
[Your Contact Information]
If you are unable to provide the required vaccinations or tests, it may result in delays in your enrollment. In some cases, you may not be allowed to move into the dorms or even attend classes without complete vaccination records. Therefore, it is very important to follow all requirements exactly and submit the necessary documents in a timely manner.
Since the costs for vaccinations and medical tests abroad may be higher, you should clarify in advance whether your health insurance covers these costs. In Germany, Austria and Switzerland, many insurers cover the costs of necessary vaccinations related to studying abroad. It's best to check this with your insurer in advance.
If you have any questions about specific vaccinations or health requirements, you can always contact our team at Smarthlete. We will be happy to assist you with all the steps and ensure that you are optimally prepared for your studies in the USA!