Immunization Requirements
Several immunizations are required for international students attending Iowa. The Immunization Record for International Students (below) indicates the required and recommended immunizations and tests you will need before you register for classes. Procure these in your home country, with the exception of the TB skin test, which must be done in Iowa.

Bring the immunization record with you to submit at the Immunization/Screening Clinic held during International Student Orientation at OISS. This official documentation of your immunity is required.

Important Health Information Letter*
Immunization Record for International Students*
Medical History Form*
Immunization Information in 29 Languages
UI Student Health Service

You may want to have a dental, eye, and general physical examination before you leave your home country, since these exams are probably less expensive there. If you wear eyeglasses, bring your prescription with you in case your lenses become lost or broken. The United States does not have a national health insurance program, so Health Insurance is required.

Immunizations for schoolchildren
A written record—including the month, day, and year of the immunization, and the name of the physician or clinic where each immunization was given—is required. (Do not use the Immunization Record for International Students to document a child’s health records. Bring original documents from home.) Immunizations also are required for children who attend Iowa preschools and licensed day-care programs. It probably costs less to procure these immunizations in your home country.

Kindergarten through grade 12 students must have:

• Three doses of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine (DTaP). At least one dose must be given after the 4th birthday.
• Three doses of polio vaccine (IPV). At least one dose must be given after the 4th birthday.
• One dose of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR) given on or after age 12 months. Two doses are required for any child whose first school enrollment was on or after July 3, 1991. The second dose shall have been received no sooner than 30 days after the first dose.
• Three doses of hepatitis B vaccine (HB) if born on or after July 1, 1994.
• One dose of Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine given on or after age 12 months (if born on or after Sept. 15, 1997, or if you recall that your child actually had chicken pox prior to enrolling in school).

*This download is a PDF file. If you don’t already have Adobe Reader (the application necessary to read PDF files), you can download it free by clicking the button below: