Read more FAQs for HEALTH SCIENCES students.
1. Who is required to submit immunization records?
All full-time students are required to submit documentation of immunizations per the Code of Virginia (Section 23-7.5).
All students, regardless of credit hours, are required to complete the Tuberculosis Screening questionnaire on page 4 of the VCU Certificate of Immunization or the electronic version available through the Web Portal, on admission to VCU. Answers to these screening questions will determine if TB testing is needed.
2. What immunizations are required?
All full-time students are required to have vaccines for Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR), Hepatitis B, Tetanus, and meningitis. Documentation of the primary Polio vaccine series is required for students 18 and younger or from high-risk countries (Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan). Refer to the VCU Certificate of Immunization or our Required Immunizations webpage for more information.
3. Can I waive any vaccines?
Yes. Although it is recommended to receive the Hepatitis B and Meningococcal vaccines, you have the option of waiving them. Please read the waiver information on page 3 of the VCU Certificate of Immunization before signing.
4. Do I need to fill out VCU’s Certificate of Immunization?
You are not required to fill out the VCU Certificate of Immunization specifically; it is provided for your convenience. If desired, you may choose to submit official documentation from your healthcare provider or another reputable source.
1. I don't have my records from childhood. Where can I obtain them?
If you don't have a copy of your immunization records, contact any previous medical providers to see if they have documentation. Prior high schools, universities, or your local health department may also have a copy of your vaccine record. Click on the link for more tips for locating old immunization records.
2. I sent my records to a different VCU department a long time ago. Why don't you have my records on file?
Different departments within VCU do not necessarily use the same database to store student information. To ensure that your VCU immunization record has been updated, you must submit your immunization records directly to VCU Student Health's Immunization Department by Web Portal upload, fax, email, mail, or in person.
3. I have attended another state university. Am I still required to submit vaccine records?
Yes, you are still required to submit records to VCU. If needed, you may contact your previous school and ask them to send it on your behalf.
4. I received many vaccines when I served in the military. Do I still need proof of my immunizations?
Yes, documentation is still required. If you are having trouble obtaining your vaccine records, VCU Military Student Services may be able to assist you.
1. Are all of the required immunizations available at Student Health?
Yes, we offer all of the vaccines and blood titers necessary to meet the state and Health Sciences requirements. Vaccine and titer fees are self-pay, as Student Health does not accept health insurance.
2. Will my health insurance pay for my immunizations or lab titers?
VCU Student Health does not process insurance claims. If you do not want to pay out-of-pocket through Student Health, you can update your vaccines and titers with an outside provider who accepts your insurance. You must still submit documentation of vaccines or lab test results to Student Health.
3. I am not a student at VCU yet. Can I use your clinic to get vaccines or have lab titers drawn?
No, only current students can receive care at Student Health.
1. How do I submit my immunization documentation?
The preferred method for submitting documentation is through the VCU Student Health Web Portal. Please refer to our detailed Web Portal Instructions for Submitting Vaccine Records. Please do not send records multiple times as this delays the data entry process.
You may also email, fax, or mail completed forms and documentation to:
2. How do I know if you have received my records?
You can check the status of your submission by logging into the VCU Student Health Web Portal with your eID and password. Go to the "My Profile" tab. If your vaccine is listed under "Immun. History", then your documentation has been processed.
3. How do you communicate with me if there is an issue with my immunization status?
Student Health will send you a secure message through the Web Portal if there is an issue with your submission. Please do not ignore these messages as vaccine non-compliance may prevent you from registering for classes or attending clinical rotations.
4. I was full-time this past semester and never submitted any records. Now I have a hold on my account and cannot register for next semester. Why was I allowed to register previously, but not now?
Per the Code of Virginia, all full-time students are required to submit immunization records for compliance. You are given a grace period to ensure adequate time to submit your records. Once this period has ended, you will be prohibited from registering for classes until all required documents have been submitted.
1. Can you email me a copy of my immunization records?
No, it is against our policy to send immunization records via email since it is not considered a secure form of communication.
2. How do I access my VCU immunization records online?
Once you have submitted your vaccine documentation to VCU, you can view/download your records by logging into the Student Health Web Portal, going to the "My Profile" tab, and choosing "Immun. History".
3. I have attended VCU in the past and need a copy of my immunization records. How might I obtain them?
If you still have access to the Student Health Web Portal, you can log in and print or download a copy of your Immunization History. If you no longer have access, please call our office at (804) 827-8047 for assistance.