Health issues may not be your first priority as you get ready to come to campus, but there are vaccine requirements for all entering students with which you must comply to keep your registration for classes from being affected. There are also some things we recommend you consider before arriving on campus, especially if you are new to UT Austin.
NEW Meningococcal Vaccine Requirement for All Students Entering UT Austin.
Entering UT Austin students cannot register for classes (even at new student orientation sessions) until University Health Services (UHS) has received documentation that they have required a meningococcal vaccine during the five year period to, but no later than ten days before the first day of classes of the semester they will enter UT Austin. Many students will need a second vaccine.
Additional Required Immunizations and Medical Tests for International Students
In addition to the meningococcal vaccine requirement for all students entering in January 2012 or thereafter (see above), international students are required to complete additional medical requirements before they will be allowed to register for classes. International students, please visit the Medical Requirements for International Students page in Helpful Links to see which additional immunizations and medical tests are required and how to get these immunizations and/or tests at UHS so that you can register for classes.
Once you have been admitted to UT Austin, you can schedule an appointment at UHS to get any required or recommended immunizations or to get the TB test that is required for incoming international students. Charges apply.
IMPORTANT: Bring a photo ID, your TB and Vaccination History for International Students Form, and any documentation you have of previous immunizations or TB screening tests.
Acknowledgement of Meningococcal Disease Information
Bacterial meningitis is a very serious, potentially fatal illness. While it is fairly rare, young adults are at an increased risk.
In addition to the new Texas law mandating that all admitted students entering UT Austin meet certain bacterial meningitis vaccine requirements, Texas law also requires all new college students to acknowledge that they have read the "Important Information about Bacterial Meningitis" statement online. Failure to do this could result in a medical bar that prevents you from registering for classes and accessing University resources in the future. If you haven't already done so, you can read and acknowledge the statement now:
Learn about AlcoholEdu, a new, innovative resource available to the entire Longhorn community. Because UT cares about students' health and safety, the University expects every incoming first-year/freshman and transfer student under the age of 21 to complete AlcoholEdu for College before arriving on campus.
AlcoholEdu Program at UT
Before You Come to Campus
Sit down with your parents and take care of the following online requirements:
Click on "MyUHS" at the top of this page. Log on with your UT EID and then follow the instructions together.
Fill out a Health History Form.
Enter your health insurance information, if you will have health insurance.
Read and acknowledge three statements:
Notice of Privacy Practices
Treatment Agreement
Charge Policy
Taking care of this now will save time when you need medical care. You won't have to scramble for important information - UHS will have everything on file.
Get the Information you will need:
Get copies of your medical and prescription drug insurance card, and learn about your health insurance. Healthcare, especially medical specialty and hospital care, can be extremely expensive. If possible, remain on your parent or guardian's insurance plan. If you can't do that, click Student Health Insurance in Helpful Links to learn about low-cost health, dental, and vision insurance.
Ask your parent or guardian to give you a tutorial on your insurance plan, especially as it relates to preferred providers and any requirements for pre-authorization for certain services or post-notification of hospitalization. Knowing about these things can save you a lot of time and money.
Learn about your personal and family medical history.
What medications do you take and why?
Are you allergic to any medications?
Have you had any significant illnesses, injuries, or surgeries?
What chronic illnesses run in your family?
Once you are over 18, you'll be responsible for consenting to your own medical care and providing necessary information to healthcare providers.
Make a plan for managing any prescription drugs you take on an ongoing basis. Where will you get your prescriptions refilled in Austin? The Forty Acres Pharmacy can fill prescriptions written by any healthcare provider licensed in the U.S. You can transfer your prescriptions to our Pharmacy for your convenience. To find out how, click on Pharmacy in Helpful Links. The Forty Acres Pharmacy accepts most major drug prescription cards, so you will pay the same as you would in your hometown pharmacy.
How will you get your prescriptions renewed? When the label on your medication says "No refills remaining," you'll need a renewal, which usually requires an appointment with a healthcare provider. Monitor refills left in your prescription carefully so you have time to schedule an appointment without running out of your medication. Your pharmacy may contact the healthcare provider who prescribed the medicine when you run out of refills to request instructions. If you need to schedule an appointment with a provider for a renewal, you may opt to schedule an appointment at UHS for convenience.
Stock Your Medicine Cabinet
A well-stocked medicine cabinet can save a trip to the pharmacy when you don't feel up to getting out. Also, when you call our 24-Hour Nurse Advice Line for help, our nurses will often refer to one or more of the following medical supplies or over-the-counter (OTC) medications, all of which are available in the Forty Acres Pharmacy:
General Medical Supplies
Band-Aids for small wounds and blisters
Gauze and tape for larger wounds
ACE wrap for minor sprains
Ice pack
Heating pad
Digital thermometer
Antibacterial soap to clean wounds
OTC Medications
Antacid such as Tums, Rolaids, or Mylanta
Acid reducer such as Zantac or Pepcid
Anti-diarrhea medication like Imodium AD or Kaopectate
Fever and pain reducer containing acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
Decongestant such as Sudafed-PE
Antihistamine such as Benadryl, Tavist, or Claritin
