Immunization Self-Report

Frequently Asked Questions

Updated: 6/17/08

Do I have to get these shots?
All decisions about medical care, including whether to get these vaccinations, are still up to you and your family. We are giving you the information because we want you to know what national health officials recommend so that you can make an informed choice.

Who Should I talk to if I have questions?
If you have questions, please call Olin Health Center, at (517)353-9763, and someone there will be happy to talk with you. You may also call the Office of the University Physician at (517)353-8933. Your personal healthcare provider can also answer your questions.

Do I have to fill out the form?
Yes. Newly entering undergraduate students are required to return the Student Immunization Self-Report form, whether or not they choose to follow the vaccination recommendations. The form you complete provides the University with needed information and confirms that you had the opportunity to review the current immunization recommendations from national health agencies for college students. Failure to complete the required form will affect students' ability to register.

What if I do not want to share my private health information?
Newly enrolled undergraduate students can fill out Part B of the Student Immunization Self-Report form, in which they tell the University that they decline to provide their immunization information. But, we strongly encourage you to report your current immunization status, because it could facilitate healthcare for you while you attend MSU, as well as allow healthcare personnel to contact you quickly should you be at risk for an exposure. For example, if you come to Olin Health Center with certain injuries, it will help you and us if we can find out quickly whether you need a tetanus/diphtheria booster. All healthcare information is kept confidential, as required by law.

Are graduate students covered by the immunization policy?
No. Undergraduate students must report their immunization status. We annually inform graduate and other students about immunizations and other health-related issues. The Immunization Guideline Sheet provides vaccination recommendations for children and adults. Checking your immunization status and updating it are sound precautions against contagious disease.

I'm a new international student. What information should I know?
New international undergraduate students have the same requirement as U.S. students; they also are required to have TB testing, provided by the University upon entry. TB testing is also a requirement for new graduate international students, as of fall 2002. Failure to meet these requirements will affect ability to register and enroll. Visit our TB Testing page for more information.

What if I do not know my current immunization status?
Your personal physician should have a record of your last tetanus/diphtheria booster, whether you have had the hepatitis B series and the meningococcal vaccine. Often parents remember, even if you do not, if you have had the chickenpox. About 90% of college students have had the disease, and those students do not need the varicella vaccination. If you and your parents do not remember whether you have had the chickenpox, your physician may want to order a blood test to determine whether you have had the chickenpox.

Does my doctor have to sign my form?
No. Once you have your immunization record you may submit your own form on-line.

What do I do if I am in the middle of a shot sequence when I am due to start school?
The immunizations that require more than one shot have a schedule that can be extended, but not shortened. That is, you may get the shots later than the schedule says, but not sooner. If you are in the middle of a series when you start school, you can either get the later shots when you go home, or you can get them at Olin Health Center or at the Ingham County Health Department Immunization clinics. Usually, once you start a series, you are protected until you get the next shot, even if it is later than the recommended schedule. You should update your immunization record on the Web site as you get more shots.

Who will get to see my immunization record?
The Student Immunization Self-Report form will be treated as a confidential record, like your academic records. The only University staff who will have access to your immunization record are those who need to handle or see it in the context of providing service to you, or in the context of a public health concern on campus. For instance, if we learned of a case of chickenpox in a residence hall, a healthcare provider would alert the students in that residence hall who were at risk for getting the disease, so that we could inform them about ways to protect themselves.

Does the University require an entrance physical?
No. If you have no health concerns, then a check-up with your healthcare provider is probably not necessary. However, if you have any questions, or especially if you have a significant health condition, then seeing your family doctor before coming to college would be advisable. Arriving on campus with an adequate supply of any prescription medications and a treatment plan may prevent possible problems.