Immunization and Medical Clearance Requirements for Dell Medical School Students

Immunization Requirements

Tetanus/Diphtheria/Acellular Pertussis (Tdap): documentation of one dose of Tdap vaccine. Td or Tdap vaccine every ten years thereafter.

Measles (Rubeola): documentation of two doses of measles or MMR vaccine or a positive titer confirming immunity (must include a copy of the laboratory report); first dose must be on or after the first birthday, and doses must be at least 28 days apart.

Mumps: documentation of two doses of mumps or MMR vaccine or a positive titer confirming immunity (must include a copy of the laboratory report); first dose must be on or after the first birthday, and doses must be at least 28 days apart.

Rubella: documentation of one dose of rubella or MMR vaccine administered on or after the first birthday or a positive titer confirming immunity (must include a copy of the laboratory report).

Varicella: documentation of 2 doses of varicella vaccine given at least 28 days apart, laboratory evidence of immunity, laboratory confirmation of disease (must include a copy of the laboratory report), or diagnosis or verification of a history of varicella or herpes zoster (shingles) by a healthcare provider.

Hepatitis B: A complete hepatitis B vaccine series (3 doses of Engerix-B or Recombivax HB, or 2 doses of Heplisav-B) AND a positive antibody titer (quantitative hepatitis B surface antibody). Must submit a copy of the lab report.

• If the titer is negative or equivocal, THEN:
  Receive one dose of the vaccine (as a booster) and repeat the titer in one to two months.
• If this repeated titer is negative or equivocal, THEN:
  Finish the vaccine series and repeat the titer in one to two months after the final dose.
• If the titer after completing the second vaccine series is still negative, THEN:
  Be tested for HBsAg and total anti-HBc to determine HBV infection status.

Bacterial Meningitis:

• Texas law (SB 1107) mandates that all entering UT students who will be 21 or younger on the first day of classes must receive the bacterial meningitis vaccine.
• Any type of bacterial meningitis vaccine is acceptable.
• The vaccine must be administered within five years of, and no later than ten days before, the first day of classes for the semester a student enters UT Austin.

Influenza: an influenza vaccine is required annually. (Compliance is not required at the point of matriculation but is required annually thereafter.)

Tuberculosis (TB) Clearance

• Documentation of 2 negative TB skin tests (PPD), reported in millimeters (mm), less than 2 months before matriculation or,
• Negative IGRA blood test (must include laboratory report), or
• If there is a history of a positive TB test (IGRA or PPD), documentation of a negative chest X-ray must be made within two months of enrollment (must send radiology report of chest X-ray). For information on how to submit your X-ray report, go to the documentation submission section of this page.

What Documentation Do I Need to Provide?

The following types of documentation are acceptable to meet the immunization and medical clearance requirements. Please submit BOTH of these documents (vaccine records and laboratory reports) in English (preferred).

Vaccine records that must include:

• Your full name.
• The vaccine name or vaccine abbreviation.
• The day, month, and year the vaccine was given.

The record must be obtained from one of the following:

• A state or local health authority.
• A school that you previously attended.
• Your healthcare provider.
• A pharmacy note that includes your name, the vaccine name or vaccine abbreviation and the day, month, and year the vaccine was given to prove the pharmacist administered the vaccine. We recommend taking the “UHS- Documentation of Vaccines Received at a Pharmacy” Form to the pharmacy where you will receive the vaccine and having the pharmacist complete the form to ensure the documentation meets medical clearance criteria.

Laboratory reports that must include:

• Your full name.
• The antibody levels.
• The interpretation of the test.

Unacceptable Documentation:

• Pharmacy receipts and prescription labels, even if they show the patient and vaccine name.
• A healthcare provider’s statement that a lab was negative or positive.
• A chest X-ray as a substitute for the laboratory tuberculosis tests.

Exemptions from Medical Clearance Requirements and Required Documentation

Students may be exempted by means permitted by Texas and federal law. However, even if exempt, a student may be denied the opportunity to participate in training or patient care in certain healthcare facilities following those facilities' policies.

How to Submit Your Documentation to UHS

How to Determine Whether Your Documentation Has Been Processed and Your Registration Hold Has Been Removed

All immunization records are reviewed by a Medical Review Officer within UT Austin’s University Health Services to determine compliance. The UHS office will notify the student when not in compliance, and block registration from the next semester until the student is compliant. The Student Affairs office will be not be informed of immunization or any other health information, but will be notified that an applicant or student is compliant or non-compliant.

Where to Get Your Vaccines to Satisfy Medical Clearance Requirements

University Health Services

Admitted students can call 512-475-8301, option #2 (Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.) to schedule an appointment.

Health insurance is not required to use UHS, however UHS accepts most major U.S. insurance plans including the student health insurance plan, AcademicBlue. The vaccines and TB tests are covered by AcademicBlue.

Please note that students entering the fall semester who are enrolled in AcademicBlue may not become active until August 1. If you choose to receive vaccines and/or TB tests before your insurance effective date, you will be responsible for the charges.

View more information on AcademicBlue including how to obtain a copy of your insurance card.

Additional Vaccine Resources

• Most doctor’s offices and private clinics
• Many large pharmacy chains
• Some minor emergency centers or walk-in clinics
• If you have Medicaid or CHIP, contact your established healthcare provider as your first option.

If you are Uninsured or your Insurance will not Cover Vaccines

• Those 18 or younger might qualify for the Texas Vaccines for Children Program. Call the United Way helpline (dial 211) to find a participating healthcare provider in your area.
• Also, many full-service, city/county health departments in Texas offer free or low-cost vaccines through programs for those 18 or younger and certain vaccines for those over 18.
  • Texas Local Public Health Organizations
  • Austintexas.gov – Immunizations

Questions

For questions regarding immunizations, medical clearance requirements and medical holds, call the UHS Allergy, Immunization, and Travel Health Clinic at 512-475-8301 or email imm@uhs.utexas.edu. In your email, provide your UT EID. Be as detailed as possible about your question or circumstance.

Business Hours
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
1st and 2nd Wednesdays of the month, Closed from noon-1:30 p.m.