What immunizations are incoming students required to provide?
Immunizations: All new and incoming first year and transfer students are required by the Vermont State Health Department to provide evidence of the following:
- 1 Tdap/Td
- 2 MMR vaccines OR...
- 2 Measles
- 2 Mumps
- 2 Rubella
- 3 Hepatitis B (HBV)
- 1 Meningococcal conjugate (MCV4) vaccine (only for first year/transfer students living in residence halls)
- EITHER 2 Varicella (Chicken Pox) vaccines OR the date (year) the student had the disease
Most graduate and Professional and Continuing Education programs do not have immunization requirements but please check with your program for specific requirements.
Why do I need to provide immunization information in multiple ways?
The online immunization and health history forms you upload are imported to your electronic health record at UVM. That information is required by the Vermont Health Department as verification of the vaccines required by Vermont law.
As part of that verification process you must manually enter the vaccination dates and update your health history via the MyWellbeing health portal.
We recommend that you keep a copy of your immunization record to help complete the online form, and follow the instructions to complete the online health history form.
What if I only have my immunization information in an Immunization Record Card or baby book from my pediatrician?
The information on an authorized medical document such as an immunization card, pediatric record, or document from a previously-attended school is acceptable.
What if I've had the chicken pox disease (varicella) and have NOT gotten the immunizations?
If you have had chickenpox, you do not need the vaccine. However, a date on a signed UVM or other immunization form or a signed Varicella Disease Form (PDF) noting that you have had the disease must be submitted along with your other immunizations.
Do I need to present my records in English?
Yes. We ask that you provide a translation of any records which are not in English. You may wish to contact your local ministry of health to see if they can provide you with an international vaccination certificate in English.
What if I do not have records available, or they cannot be located?
You may either be re-immunized, or you may choose to have a blood test (titer) to verify immunity against Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis, or Varicella. These days, electronic databases are being kept by many states in the US. You can request your immunization record from your state, i.e. Vermont Immunization Registry. (PDF)
Can a I get the required vaccines at UVM?
You are required to submit the immunization records before arriving at UVM—the forms must be submitted for review no later than August 15 for new Fall students, and February 15 for new Spring students. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you get any needed vaccines before arriving at UVM. If, however, you cannot complete a required immunization series, you can arrange to get an immunization at the UVM Student Health Clinic.
Note: Any immunizations will be billed to the student's UVM account. UVM Student Health does not bill private insurances.
What if I have never been immunized due to medical reasons, or due to personal religious beliefs?
Students who have not previously been immunized due to the above reasons may request an exemption from the Vermont State Immunization Requirements. The VT State College Immunization Exemption Form (PDF) must be completed. Medical exemptions must be signed and dated by your health care provider. Religious exemptions must be completed and signed by the student, or the parent/guardian if the student is under 18 years old. The completed form should be uploaded via your MyWellbeing portal as per the Steps listed above.
NOTE: the State of Vermont does not allow vaccine exemptions for philosophic reasons. There is no "grandfathering in" of philosophic exemptions.
