Vaccination Requirements for Students at Iowa State University

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 highly recommended. 

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 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 a task in your "To-Do" section for submitting immunization history. Please follow prompts to upload document(s).

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 complete the TB screening Questionnaire through the ISU Student Health Portal. 

Although not required, if you need a tuberculosis test, you may schedule an appointment at student health by calling 515-294-5801.

Please email Cyclonehealth@iastate.edu  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. 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.
  1. 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:
    1. 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.