Medical Clearance Requirements for International Students

When entering international students can begin using University Health Services

Eligibility to use University Health Services for ALL entering international students will begin on the date coverage begins for the Student Health Insurance Plan (Academic Healthplan, BlueCross BlueShield), regardless of whether the student has purchased the Student Health Insurance Plan.

International students cannot register for classes, even during new student orientation, until UHS has received documentation that they have met the following medical clearance requirements.

Please print the TB and Vaccination History for International Students form.

TB and Vaccination History for International Students (PDF)

Have your healthcare provider complete and sign it. If you are currently outside the United States, your healthcare provider should NOT complete the TB Screening section of this form unless they can provide the IGRA blood test and documentation as described under "TB test" below.

Medical requirements for international students:

1. Tuberculosis (TB) screening test: A TB screening test is required regardless of whether you have received the BCG vaccination. A chest x-ray is NOT ACCEPTABLE as a substitute for a TB screening test.

   You can comply with the TB screening requirement by providing documentation of one of the following tests that has been administered:
   on or after March 1, 2018 for students entering summer or fall 2018.
   on or after September 1, 2018 for students entering spring 2019.

   • Results of an IGRA blood test. University Health Services holds TB screening clinics where international students can get this test before registration each semester. This test may be performed outside of the United States. Results MUST BE documented in English AND a copy of the lab report must be included. If there is difficulty with English translation, interpretation of results or legibility of documents when UHS receives your documentation, you may be asked to repeat the test.
     

     OR

   • A PPD (Mantoux) skin test. This test must be administered and interpreted in the United States and reported in millimeters (mm). Again, a PPD skin test IS NOT ACCEPTABLE if administered and/or interpreted outside of the United States

   NOTE: If either of the above tests is positive, a chest x-ray must be performed in the U.S. and dated within the same timeframe noted above, depending on the semester the student enrolls.

AND

2. Meningococcal (bacterial meningitis) vaccine requirement. This vaccine must have been administered within 5 years of the first day of classes of the semester you will enter UT Austin. If you have had a meningococcal vaccine, but it was administered longer ago than described above, you must receive another dose of the vaccine.

   You are EXEMPT from this requirement and do not have to submit any documentation to University Health Services if: You will be age 22 or older on the first day of classes of the semester in which you are entering.
    
   Important information about the meningococcal vaccine requirement including exemptions, acceptable documentation and how to submit documentation.

AND

3. Proof of immunity to measles, mumps and rubella as documented by:
• TWO DOSES of MEASLES/MUMPS/RUBELLA (MMR) vaccine, with the FIRST DOSE being administered on or after the first birthday and the SECOND dose being administered at least 28 days after the first dose.

  OR

• TWO DOSES of MEASLES VACCINE and MUMPS VACCINE, with the FIRST DOSE being administered on or after the first birthday and the SECOND DOSE being administered at least 28 days after the first doses AND ONE DOSE of RUBELLA VACCINE administered on or after the first birthday.

  OR

• A positive blood test (titer) showing protective antibodies to all three diseases (must include the official lab report).

For questions regarding medical clearance requirements and medical bars, call the UHS Immunization Compliance department at 512-475-8301 or email imm@mail.uhs.utexas.edu. In your email, please provide your UT EID. Please be as detailed as possible about your question or circumstance.

UHS administers the IGRA tuberculosis blood test for entering international students. It will take 2 – 5 days to lift your medical registration bar after your blood is drawn for the TB screening test, depending upon your results.

For questions regarding medical clearance requirements and medical bars, call the UHS Immunization Compliance department at (512) 475-8301 or email imm@mail.uhs.utexas.edu. In your email, please provide your UT EID. Please be as detailed as possible about your question or circumstance.

Bring a photo ID (e.g. UT ID card, passport, etc.), your TB and Vaccination History Form for International Students (if it has been completed), and any documentation you have of previous immunizations or TB screenings.

Call 512-475-8301 to schedule an approximate time to get your TB test and/or required immunizations. Expect to be at University Health Services for 1.5 hours. We also accept walk-ins.

Minimize Registration Delays: As Soon as You Arrive In Austin

To minimize registration delays go to University Health Services Allergy/Immunization Clinic, located in the Student Services Building, Room 2.104 (100 W. Dean Keeton Street) to turn in your TB and Vaccination History Form or any other documentation of immunizations or TB testing.

If you have not received required immunizations or TB testing or do not have the necessary documentation to prove that you've had the required immunizations and TB testing, call 512-475-8301 to arrange a time slot to receive a TB test and/or required immunizations.

Helpful Links