Compliance with Iowa State University’s immunization policy is an important first step for all incoming students and helps ensure a safe and healthy campus and community. Please see the requirements below. As part of your Iowa State University orientation, you will have an International Health Orientation Visit where we will guide you through completing all health requirements.
Required Vaccination
Measles
ISU requires that all new (including transfer and graduate) students born on or after January 1, 1957, show proof of immunization or immunity to measles. Measles immunizations may be found on your immunization record listed as Measles, MMR, MR, or Rubeola (titer).
To meet the requirement, you must provide ONE of the following:
1. Proof of two measles and/or combination measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccination dates. The first measles vaccination must be administered after one year of age; the second measles vaccination must be administered at least 28 days after the first vaccination,
2. Proof of immunity to measles by positive rubeola (measles) titer or history of measles disease, OR
3. Proof of religious or medical exemption.
*Please bring all immunization documents with you. All documents must be translated into English and include full name, date of birth and signed or stamped by a licensed medical provider.
If you are not able to complete the Immunization Requirements Form or cannot locate your immunization records, we will assist you in completing these requirements during your health orientation visit.
Tuberculosis Testing
Tuberculosis screening will be completed at your International Health Orientation Visit. If you have a history of infection and/or treatment, please bring all related documents with you (documents must be in English).
Prior to Your Arrival
Submit Immunizations - health records are submitted using the Iowa State Student Health Portal App
You will receive an email to your iastate.edu email address with a link to sign-up for the ISU Student Health Patient Portal. A new link is sent out each Wednesday for students who have not enrolled. You must use the link embedded in the portal invitation email to activate your account. Do not register as a first-time user in the app, as you already have an account through your iastate.edu email.
Only use your iastate.edu email address to activate your account. (Do NOT use your phone number)
- Create a password and accept the terms and conditions
- Select USA as the country
- Verify auto filled information is correct
- Be sure to allow notifications and location services when prompted to allow appointment reminders and messages
After initial log in, you will have tasks in your "To-Do" section for submitting immunizations. Please follow prompts to upload document(s).
Plan for your Internation Student Health Orientation Visit
- Undergraduate students will have a visit assigned for you through Iowa State University orientation.
- Graduate students – Please schedule visit 1 month prior to arrival through the ISU Student Health Portal application. You will receive a task to schedule a visit, please monitor your health portal app for instructions and details.
Health Orientation Visit
During your health orientation visit, you will meet with a member of the Thielen Student Health Center (TSHC) clinical staff to complete the following:
- Review resources available to Iowa State Students within the Student Health and Wellness unit.
- Review immunization records and complete ISU immunization requirements.
- Review any health concerns and receive assistance with transfer of care.
- Please visit the Iowa State University Student and Scholar Health Insurance Program’s site for information regarding mandatory Student & Scholar Insurance Program (SSHIP).
- Assistance with connecting to other resources, as requested.
- If you will be under the age of 18 when arriving on campus, it is required that a parent complete and sign the following form:
- Thielen Student Health Center Consent for Services and Communication form. Download, sign, print and bring a copy to your health orientation visit.
Recommended Vaccinations
Meningitis (if living in a residence hall)
The State of Iowa requires that all colleges and universities provide information on the meningitis vaccination to incoming students. If you will be living in the residence halls, it is recommended by the CDC that you receive this vaccination. This vaccination is not required, but it is highly recommended.
COVID-19 Vaccination
While ISU does not require the COVID vaccine, we encourage all students to be fully vaccinated when coming to campus. Thielen Student Health Center (TSHC) offers the COVID vaccine for Iowa State University students. Please call to schedule an appointment. (515-294-5801)
Additional Information
Have other medical questions?
Please feel free to email us at immrequirements@iastate.edu. A member of our staff will respond to you as they are able. Please allow 72 hours for response as volume of emails can be high prior to new students arriving each semester.
Health Insurance Information
For mandatory international student insurance information, please visit the Iowa State University Student and Scholar Health Insurance Program’s website.