Vaccinations

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.

Documentation of the required immunizations is due by July 31 for summer and fall semester entries and November 30 for spring entries. If you do not provide the information by that date, it may interfere with your ability to register for classes the next semester.

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 by submitting the appropriate Iowa Department of Public Health Exemption Form.

If you need a measles immunization or proof of immunization by positive titer, you may schedule an appointment at student health. New students are eligible to receive vaccinations and/or titers at the student health center beginning at the time of New Student Orientation and throughout the summer prior to semester starting. Please note there will be charges associated with vaccines and/or lab draws. You may also visit your current health care provider or contact your county health department for vaccinations.

Recommended Vaccinations

Meningitis Vaccination

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 recommended. If you have already received the meningitis vaccination, you will be prompted to document the vaccination on the immunization submission site.

There are two  different immunizations needed to protect against Meningitis.  One protects against Meningitis serogroups A, C, W, and Y.  The other vaccine protects against Meningitis serogroup B.  We recommend our students receive both vaccines to protect against all vaccine preventable serogroups of meningitis.

Covid-19 Vaccination

While ISU is not requiring the COVID vaccine, we would like to encourage all students to be fully vaccinated when coming to campus. Thielen Student Health Center offers the COVID vaccine for Iowa State University Students. Please call to schedule an appointment. (515-294-5801)

Submit Immunization Records 

Immunization records are submitted using the 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 istate.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
• Your name and birth date information should be automatically filled in
• Gender selection is optional
• Be sure to allow notifications and location services when prompted to allow for appointment reminders and check-ins

After registration, you will have a task in your "To-Do" section for submitting immunization history.

Tuberculosis Testing

It is recommended by the CDC for any incoming student who has traveled internationally to areas of high risk for tuberculosis, be screened for this illness. All incoming students will be prompted to answer questions regarding TB exposure when completing the immunization requirement.

Although not required, if you need a tuberculosis test, you may schedule an appointment at student health. For more detailed information on the incidence of tuberculosis, visit the World Health Organization.

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a bacterium called mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but TB bacteria can attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain. If not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal. For basic facts on tuberculosis, please visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s tuberculosis page.

Please email Cyclonehealth@iastate.edu or call 515-294-5801 if you have additional questions. 

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.

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. 

(Link to immunization form)

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). 

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 recommended. If you have already received the meningitis vaccination, you will be prompted to document the vaccination on the immunization submission site.

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)

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.

Prior to Your Arrival

Upon acceptance to Iowa State – begin to prepare immunization documents:

• Submit immunization documents (official signed copy) or complete and submit the immunization form through the health portal (you will receive an email to your iastate.edu email with instructions for downloading the ISU Student Health Portal application to activate your account).
• Collect documents related to any previous tuberculosis infections and/or treatments.

Within One Month of Arrival to Iowa State University:

• Schedule your required in-person health orientation visit at Thielen Student Health Center (TSHC). This is scheduled through the ISU Student Health Portal application.
• 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.

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.

COVID-19 Vaccination

Getting vaccinated is a core prevention strategy to lower the risk of developing severe illness from respiratory viruses. Getting vaccinated is one way to protect yourself when COVID-19 transmissions are high, or if you or the people around you are at risk for severe illness.

To learn more about COVID-19 vaccines including how vaccines works, safety, and recommended vaccine schedules please visit the CDC COVID-19 Vaccine webpage.

Please remember that staff and faculty may not ask students or employees if they have received the vaccine or if they plan to be vaccinated.

The COVID-19 Vaccine is Safe, Effective and Free.

Iowa State strongly encourages students, faculty, and staff to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Thielen Student Health Center (TSHC) offers COVID-19 vaccinations to students - to make an appointment call (515) 294-5801.

Iowa State employees are encouraged to contact their personal medical care provider for vaccination options.

For additional information on vaccine availability near you:

• Visit vaccines.gov.
• Text your zip code to 438-829
• Call 1-800-232-0233