First Time Freshmen
First Time Freshmen
In order to provide a safe and healthy environment for your academic success, The University of Louisville implemented a First Time Freshman Immunization Compliance Requirement program beginning Fall 2014. All new incoming freshman students are required to provide proof of routine childhood immunization records against most vaccine preventable communicable diseases and a tuberculosis screening.
Vaccine preventable diseases outbreaks continue to occur on and near college campuses throughout the United States. With the growth in on-campus housing, immunizations provide additional protection to ensure your safety as well as the safety of those around you. Communicable disease outbreaks can cause significant disruption to your academic program as well as to the University's operations.
The University of Louisville's immunization requirements were developed utilizing the American College Health Association (ACHA), the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CSC) immunization schedules, guidelines, and vaccine recommendations.
For more information on the ACHA:
http://www.acha.org/ACHA/Resources/Topics/Vaccine.aspx
For more information on the ACIP:
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip/index.html
For more information on the CDC:
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/index.html
Requirements
Immunizations Required for First Time Freshman Students
- Required: Tdap, MMR, Hepatitis B, Varicella, Meningococcal ACWY, Meningococcal B, and Tuberculosis Questionnaire
- Recommended Only: Influenza, Hepatitis A, and HPV
If any immunization doses are administered prior to vaccine schedule, additional dose(s) of vaccine or positive antibody titer (IgG/ Quantitative Immunoassay Value) test may be required
Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis)
1 Adult Dose of Tdap vaccine within the past 10 years prior to start of first semester
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
2 Dose Series of MMR combination vaccine
Hepatitis B
Option 1
3 Dose Series of Hepatitis B vaccine
Option 2
3 Dose Series of Twinrix (Adult Dual Hepatitis A & Hepatitis B Vaccine)
Meningococcal B Vaccine
Option 1
2 Dose Series of Bexsero vaccine 16 to 23 years of age
Option 2
2 Dose Series of Trumenba vaccine 16 to 23 years of age
Varicella (Chicken Pox)
2 Doses of Varicella vaccine
or
Physician documentation of Chicken Pox disease history. Disease history may be notated on shot record, immunization certificate, or by official letter from medical provider's office.
Meningococcal Quadravalent Vaccine
1 Dose of Meningococcal quadravalent (Menactra/MenACWY-D or Menveo/MenACWY-CRM) after age 16
TUBERCULOSIS (TB) QUESTIONNAIRE & TESTING
The University's Freshman Tuberculosis Screening Questionnaire is Required for all first time freshman students
TB testing is required ONLY if any questions are marked as "Yes" on the Tuberculosis (TB) Screening Questionnaire
Option 1
TB Skin Test (PPD/TST) placed and read no earlier than 6 months before and no later than the start of classes
• Documentation Must include both Placement Date and Read Date
• Documentation Must include measurement of induration even if 0mm
Option 2
If you have a history of positive skin test, TB blood test or tuberculosis please provide the following documentation:
• Documentation of positive test result
• Documentation of medical treatment including start date, and completion date
• Copy of last Chest X-ray report
• Completed TB symptom questionnaire
RECOMMENDED IMMUNIZATIONS
The following immunizations are Recommended for all students but are Not Required to complete the First Time Freshman Immunization Compliance Requirement
Influenza
Annual influenza vaccine is Free to all students and is offered by Campus Health Services thru several flu shot clinics around campus and each of our office locations every fall as soon as the vaccine is made available
Hepatitis A
Option 1
2 Dose Series of Hepatitis A vaccine
Option 2**
3 Dose Series of Twinrix (Adult Dual Hepatitis A & Hepatitis B Vaccine)
HPV (Gardasil)
Option 1
3 doses of Gardisil vaccine
Covid-19 Vaccine
1 or 2 dose series, depending on the vaccine brand
PRINT Check List and TB Screening
The link address is:http://louisville.edu/campushealth/files/2024FreshmanImmunizationCHS
FRESHMAN IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS AND INSTRUCTIONS TO SUBMIT RECORDS
Required Immunizations:
Tdap (Tetanus-diptheria-acellular pertussis)
- 1 dose within the last 10 years
MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella)
- Two doses of vaccine OR
- Positive antibody blood tests
Hepatitis B
- 3 Doses of Hepatitis B vaccine OR
- Positive antibody blood test
Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine
- 2 doses of vaccine OR
- Positive antibody blood test OR
- Physician Documentation of disease
Quadrivalent Meningococcal Vaccine
- 1 dose after the age of 16
Meningococcal B (two dose vaccination series)
Tuberculosis Screening
TB Screening Questionnaire can be found here
Complete and submit from along with Immunization documents.
Additional Suggested immunizations
Annual Influenza Shot
Hepatitis A (two dose vaccination series)
Human Papilloma Virus (three dose vaccination series)
COVID-19 Vaccine (2-dose series or 1-dose J&J vaccine)
How to Submit Your Records
To submit your records:
- Bring a COPY of your documents to your scheduled orientation (DO NOT BRING ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS).
- Email a copy to vaccinerecords@louisville.edu
Thank you for your assistance. Please allow 15 days for Campus Health to process any records or waivers.
FAQs for First Time Freshmen
Are immunizations required in order to attend the university?
How do I submit documentation?
What is acceptable documentation for vaccines administered and blood work?
What if I am unable to obtain documentation for my childhood vaccines?
Are vaccines free at Campus Health Services?
What documentation is required if I have a history of chickenpox?
Where can I go to have vaccines and labs administered for immunization compliance?
What if I did not receive vaccinations due to my religious beliefs?
How do I contact Campus Health if I have questions?
Are immunizations required in order to attend the university?
YES
When are my documents due?
Your vaccine documentation is due no later than the first day of classes.
How do I submit documentation?
Please bring your immunization records and completed forms to your orientation session. Campus Health Services staff will be there to assist you.
What is acceptable documentation for vaccines administered and blood work?
Acceptable document includes state immunization certificate and/or vaccine administration or medical records. A full copy of the lab result report is required for any Antibody Blood Titer (IgG) test preformed for proof of positive immune status.
What if I am unable to obtain documentation for my childhood vaccines?
If you are unable to obtain official documentation of your immunization records the following is required:
- Receive a TdaP tetanus vaccination
- One Meningococcal vaccine (Menactra or Menveo) at age 16 or older, regardless of doses received prior to age 16.
- If you believe you have had typical childhood vaccinations or illness, you may have the following ANTIBODY tests drawn; (1) measles, (2) mumps, (3) rubella, (4) varicella (Chickenpox) and (5) Hepatitis B.
- Receive a Hepatitis A vaccine.(optional)
Are vaccines free at Campus Health Services?
No. We can bill most routine vaccines to your medical insurance plan or we offer a discounted cash price prices for same day payments by check or credit card. Our staff is available to assist you with determining which is the cheapest and most efficient way for you to get your immunization requirements completed but it is your responsibility to verify your coverage with your insurance plan. Payment for services depends on your carrier benefits and restrictions. Please contact your carrier prior to receiving services. We are not responsible for charges not covered by your health plan or applied to deductible. Campus Health Services cannot bill certain Medicaid plans due to network restrictions. Please contact our Insurance Advocate at 852-6519 if you have any questions regarding Medicaid coverage.
What documentation is required if I have a history of chickenpox?
Physician documentation of Chicken Pox disease history. If you do not have a physician documentation of the active chicken pox infection, you will need to have a blood test for antibody blood test for Chicken Pox. .
Where can I go to have vaccines and labs administered for immunization compliance?
You may see any community healthcare provider or clinic. On campus you can utilize either of the health services offices located at Cardinal Station or the Health Sciences Center.
Do I need a TB skin test?
Maybe. All incoming students will be screened for TB risk factors through the incoming student tuberculosis screening questionnaire. While all incoming students must complete the form. Only those students with identifiable risk factors on the form will be required to have additional testing.
What if I did not receive vaccines due to my religious beliefs?
Please contact our office by email: vaccinerecords@louisville.edu or by phone: 502-852-6479 to discuss our exception policy with on of our immunization coordinators.
How do I contact Campus Health if I have questions?
You may contact us via email at vaccinerecords@louisville.edu or call the immunization coordinators at 502-852-6479 between 8:30 - 4:30 Monday - Friday.
