FAQs about Pre-Entrance Requirements for International Students - 2012
- How do I satisfy my Pre-Entrance Immunization Requirements?
- How can I meet the requirement for Tuberculosis Testing, and how is that different from screening? And, besides, I received BCG in my country.
- Where can I find the pre-entrance Health form for my physician to complete and sign?
- I have had my vaccinations administered at home. Is this acceptable?
- If I am in the process of completing my vaccinations, will I still be blocked if I have not received my second (3rd) dose?
- If I cannot remember if I got a particular vaccine, or do not have verified documentation of having received a vaccine, is it safe to be vaccinated again?
- Is it harmful to repeat vaccinations?
- How will I know that I have met the requirements for my Pre-entrance Immunizations and TB screenings? Will I be notified?
- Can I bring my Pre-entrance Health form with me when I arrive at UVa?
- Does Student Health offer the vaccines that I need to complete my Pre-entrance requirements?
- What will occur if I do not complete my Pre-entrance requirements before the start of classes?
- I have been accepted to graduate school at UVa, and I was an undergraduate there as well. Do I need to re-submit my records?
- Where can I get further information about Immunization Requirements?
- How do I satisfy my Pre-Entrance Immunization Requirements?
All immunizations must be verified by documentation, with signed and dated proof of vaccination by your Health Care Provider. To provide proof of immunization you may:
- Have your doctor complete and sign the Pre-entrance Health form which is based on documentation
- Submit copies of original documents (in English) given when you received your vaccinations along with your Completed Pre-Entrance Health form.
- Submit your immunization travel book along with your completed Pre-entrance Health form.
- Submit a copy of a Titer Lab Report for Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps and Rubella.
(If you are lacking any required immunizations or your dates are inconsistent with mandated requirements, you may receive immunizations or titers in your home country or at Elson Student Health) - How can I meet the requirement for Tuberculosis Testing, and how is that different from screening? And, besides, I received BCG in my country.
“Screening” refers to the process of identifying persons at high risk for TB infection and disease by asking for answers to a series of questions. This should occur prior to arrival on grounds in conjunction with verification of Pre-entrance immunization requirements by your care provider at home.
“Testing” refers to the testing procedure for diagnosing Latent Tuberculosis which would occur if you have been identified as having a risk for tuberculosis by the screening process. This should take place no sooner than 3-6 months prior to college entrance. All Medical and Nursing Students require testing regardless of country of origin.
All incoming students must be screened for risk factors for Tuberculosis by the use of a screening questionnaire. This questionnaire (Tuberculosis Screening/Testing Form) is located on page 5 of your Pre-entrance Health form. If an answer of yes is made to any of the 3 preliminary questions, Testing is required for Tuberculosis either by a 2-step PPD/TST or a blood test.
Important: if either is positive, a chest X-ray is required.
This form must also be signed by your Health Care Provider. - Where can I find the pre-entrance Health form for my physician to complete and sign?
The Pre-entrance Health form is available on the Student Health Website, as well as the International Student Website. Students should read the 2 instructions pages carefully, and complete page 1. The remaining pages all need verification signature from your Health Care Provider.
- I have had my vaccinations administered at home. Is this acceptable?
Yes, you may submit your immunization records from your home country by mail or fax. (Fax # is: 434-982-4262) The Medical Records Department at Student Health will review your documentation to see if you meet the Pre-entrance criteria. By completing this requirement as soon as possible, you can ensure compliance and reduce the risk of having a block put on your registration for spring semester or being fined a late fee.
- If I am in the process of completing my vaccinations, will I still be blocked if I have not received my second (3rd) dose?
No. You will be given a waiver extending your registration hold until the next vaccination, that is due, is complete.
- If I cannot remember if I got a particular vaccine, or do not have verified documentation of having received a vaccine, is it safe to be vaccinated again?
If you have concerns about the safety of repeating a dose or series of vaccine, it is possible to have a laboratory test (titer) to confirm immunity for Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, or Rubella. Some of these tests can be costly. Therefore you may choose to have a repeat vaccination. (See # 7 below)
- Is it harmful to repeat vaccinations?
No, it is not. It can be costly though. Student Health frequently encounters persons who do not have adequate documentation of vaccinations. Although vaccinations should not be postponed if records cannot be found, an attempt to locate missing records should be made by contacting previous health-care providers, and searching for personally held records. Serologic testing for immunity (Laboratory blood tests) is an alternative to vaccination for certain antigens (e.g. measles, rubella, hepatitis A &B)
- How will I know that I have met the requirements for my Pre-entrance Immunizations and TB screenings? Will I be notified?
It is best for you to submit your vaccination documentation as soon as possible so that it can be determined that you have met Pre-Entrance criteria. Once your records have been reviewed you will receive an email if you do not meet the recommended requirements. If your records are incomplete, you will not be able to register for spring semester until they are. If your Pre-entrance Health form is not postmarked by august 31st (January 31 for spring semester) you will be subject to a late fee of $100.
- Can I bring my Pre-entrance Health form with me when I arrive at UVa?
Student Health has scheduled an Immunization/TB screening program to be held on August 24th, 2012 from 9am-12noon. Please submit your Pre-entrance Health Form prior to this date if you plan to attend this program. Student Health nurses will be on hand to provide TB screening and vaccines that are required for Pre-entrance.
Please make sure that you also bring a form of picture identification, such as your passport.
It is still possible to bring your Pre-entrance Health form to the Student Health Center when you arrive in Charlottesville. However, please know that your form may not be reviewed immediately. You will be notified by email if you need to provide additional information or if you have not met the Pre-entrance criteria. You would then need to come back to Student Health for any immunizations and/or for TB screening and can do so by making an appointment at the Immunization clinic in “Healthy Hoos” at https://www.healthyhoos.virginia.edu
- Does Student Health offer the vaccines that I need to complete my Pre-entrance requirements?
Yes, Student Health does offer most Pre-Entrance vaccines. Please wait until you have signed on to Healthy Hoos to see what vaccines you need before making an appointment in the Immunization clinic.
- What will occur if I do not complete my Pre-entrance requirements before the start of classes?
If you have not provided Student Health with a Pre-entrance Health form by August 31st, you will be subject to a late fee of $100.
- I have been accepted to graduate school at UVa, and I was an undergraduate there as well. Do I need to re-submit my records?
Student Health maintains records for 10 years from the date of your last visit. If you were never seen at the Student Health Center, your immunization information is kept for 2 years after your departure from the University.
If you have been away from the University less than 2 years, a new Pre-Entrance Health form is not required. After 2 years, a new form is required. Please note, Medical and Nursing students have special requirements, and this section must be updated by your physician.
- Where can I get further information about Immunization Requirements?
You can go to the Required & Recommended Immunizations and Screening link under Immunizations on the Student Health Website to read about the Immunization and Tuberculosis requirements. You may also print off a copy of the Pre-entrance Health form.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
If you are under the age of 18 years, parental consent is required before Student Health can administer any needed vaccinations/skin tests and/or provide medical care and treatment. Please ensure that your parent or guardian has signed page one, section 3, “Medical Consent Form for Minors”