Required Immunizations

University Student Health Services > Immunizations > Required Immunizations

In compliance with the Code of Virginia (Section 23-7.5), VCU requires all full-time students to provide documentation of their immunizations.  Immunization forms provided by VCU are available online or directly from the offices of University Student Health Services.  

Students are strongly encouraged to complete immunization requirements prior to the start of classes.  This not only ensures a safe and healthy learning environment but will also prevent future registration holds.

Completing the Correct Certificate of Immunization

Please be sure to complete the correct form to avoid unnecessary testing and fees.

Student Vaccine Requirements
Requirements for Non-Health Sciences Students

Full-Time Students:

  • 3 Hepatitis Bs OR a positive titer OR a signed waiver
  • 2 MMRs (measles, mumps and rubella) after 1st birthday OR a positive titer
  • 1 Meningococcal vaccine after 16th birthday OR a signed waiver
  • 1 Tetanus (Td or Tdap) within the past 10 years
  • Documentation of the primary polio vaccine series is required for students ≤ 18 years old OR students from high risk countries, which include Afghanistan and Pakistan.

All students, regardless of credit hours, must complete the Tuberculosis Screening questionnaire on page 3 of the VCU Certificate of Immunization.  Answers to these screening questions will determine if TB testing is needed.

Requirements for Health Sciences Students*

These are the requirements for students enrolled in the schools of Dentistry, Health Professions, Medicine, Nursing, or Pharmacy:

  • 3 Hepatitis Bs AND a positive titer
  • 2 MMRs after 1st birthday OR a positive titer
  • 1 Meningococcal vaccine OR a signed waiver
  • 1 Tdap within the past 10 years
  • 2 Varicella vaccines OR a positive titer
  • 1 Influenza vaccine annually (see below for details)
  • Documentation of the primary polio vaccine series is required for students ≤ 18 years old OR students from high risk countries (Afghanistan, Nigeria, Pakistan) OR for some away rotations.
  • Tuberculosis testing (2-Step TST or IGRA on admission & annually thereafter; chest x-ray required if testing is positive)

*Some Health Sciences programs are exempt from the Health Sciences requirements.  Please check the Health Sciences Exempted Programs List to verify exemption or call the Immunization Department at (804) 827-8047 for assistance.  If your program is exempt, please complete the VCU Certificate of Immunization for academic programs.

Flu Vaccine Required for Health Sciences Students

All Health Sciences students are required to have an annual flu vaccine, unless your program is on the Health Sciences Exempted Programs List or you have submitted a Health Sciences Influenza Vaccination Exemption Request.  

Documentation of flu vaccine must be submitted to Student Health by December 1.  If your program starts in January, please submit your current flu vaccine as soon as possible.  Click here for details about how to submit your flu vaccine documentation.