Entering Medical Student Health and Immunization Requirements

For the protection of the health of our students and because of the risks of exposure to infectious diseases to which medical students are subjected in the course of clinical work, certain tests and immunizations are required of all students prior to matriculation.

Entering students are required to provide documentation of all required immunizations using the Emory University Student Health (EUSHS) Immunization Form. This form must be signed by a healthcare provider and returned to EUSHS prior to matriculation.

A physical examination is also required prior to matriculation and must be recorded on the School of Medicine Physical Examination Form. This form must also be signed by a healthcare provider and returned to EUSHS prior to matriculation.

Students will not be allowed to register or participate in any clinical activities until both forms are on file with EUSHS. An updated medical history and physical examination are required for re-enrollment after more than one year of attendance lapses. For re-admission after withdrawal for medical reasons, medical clearance by designated University health officials is required.

Registration and attendance at classes are considered as agreement to comply with the Rules and Regulations of the University as published in the Bulletin and MD Handbook and other official publications of the University and as amended or revised during the student’s continued enrollment.

Immunization Requirements 2022-2023

Entering students are required to provide documentation of all required immunizations using the Emory University Student Health (EUSHS) Immunization Form. This form must be signed by a healthcare provider and returned to EUSHS prior to matriculation. The deadline for uploading immunization records is August 1st in the EUSHS system.

Documentation for the following immunizations and tests is required prior to matriculation for all entering students:

• COVID-19 - All students must be vaccinated against COVID-19 (primary series and the first booster). Student Health Services will maintain a list of acceptable COVID-19 vaccines on its website.
• Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis– primary series of 3 doses of Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoid (DT or TD), in addition to at least one adult Td or Tdap booster within the past 10 years.
• Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) – 2 doses of a combined MMR -OR- two (2) doses of Measles, two (2) doses of Mumps, and one (1) dose of Rubella –OR- laboratory evidence of immunity to each disease.
• Varicella (Chickenpox) – positive Varicella antibody titer -OR- 2 doses of the Varicella vaccine given at least 1 month apart.
• Hepatitis B – 2 or 3 dose series, followed by a post-vaccine quantitative antibody titer.
• Tuberculosis Screening – students must provide a negative IGRA tuberculosis blood test (QuantiFERON Gold or T-SPOT) within six months prior to matriculation.

TB Screening notes

• Entering students with a positive test for latent TB are required to have a negative chest x-ray.
• Students who have received BCG vaccination in the past should have both a chest x-ray and a blood test (QuantiFERON Gold or T-spot) performed to complete the evaluation for latent TB.

Exceptions

Emory Student Health Services is aware that some students request medical or religious exemptions to vaccination with one or more of the required vaccines. In the case of a medical contraindication, EUSHS requires the student to submit a letter of explanation, signed by both the student and the student’s healthcare provider, along with other immunization records to EUSHS through the Student Patient Portal. To see more details about medical and religious exemption processes, please visit our immunization page and scroll to the FAQs section.