Why is there a TB clearance requirement?
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that can be spread by respiratory transmission and therefore can pose a risk to others attending classes, living in residence halls, using other University facilities, or attending University events. The TB clearance requirement was implemented following the recommendations of the California Department of Public Health. Read more about the UC Immunization Policy
Why is there an immunization requirement?
There has been an increase in outbreaks of vaccine-preventable illnesses over the past five to ten years, and now many illnesses that we thought were disappearing are returning. Although many of these diseases are considered “mild”, they can cause serious illness and death; for example, pertussis was responsible for hospital stays for hundreds of people in California during the past two years, including intensive care admissions and in a few cases, death. Recent outbreaks of measles also have resulted in hospitalizations, and new cases of mumps across the country threaten the health and fertility of non-immune students.
The diseases targeted by this Policy include those that are spread by respiratory transmission and therefore can pose a risk to others attending classes, living in residence halls, using other University facilities, or attending University events. The required vaccines and screening reflect recommendations by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) for Colleges and Universities, the American College Health Association (ACHA), and the CDC Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices. Read more about the policy on the UCOP website.
What to do if I have a positive TB test?
A positive TB test MUST be followed up. This will usually be by a chest x-ray. A chest x-ray can help determine the difference between active TB disease and latent TB infection. Latent TB is treatable. Treatment can prevent you from becoming sick and contagious with TB disease. Students can schedule an appointment with a TB nurse for a “Positive TB Test Visit” on eTang or by calling (510) 643-7177. For more information, please visit our TB web page
What are the consequences for not meeting the requirements?
Failure to comply by the deadline will result in a late fee and a block for your enrollment in classes for the following semester. Enrollment holds will be placed for students who are not compliant with one or more of the requirements. An enrollment hold/block will prevent you from enrolling in classes for the next semester.
- For those who are coming to campus and still have requirements to meet, please call (510) 643-7177 to make an appointment at UHS, and be sure to bring all of your records with you.
Why is TB screening/testing necessary if I’ve had the BCG vaccine?
The BCG vaccine does not provide lifelong protection against TB and is not known to be effective against adult pulmonary TB (the most infectious kind of TB disease), so screening and testing may still be necessary. Read more about the BCG vaccine on the CDC website
Why do I need a Varicella titer if I had chicken pox?
Not everyone who has chicken pox or shingles necessarily develops Varicella immunity, so a blood titer to prove that you are "positive" for immunity is required. A doctor's note stating that you had chicken pox or shingles is not sufficient.
Is it required to get a COVID-19 vaccine/booster?
The University of California has a COVID-19 vaccine policy. Learn more about the requirements, exemptions, and deadlines on our COVID-19 vaccine requirements webpage.
What qualifies as an acceptable medical record?
A medical record should include your name (in the Latin alphabet), plus the type, date, and outcome of each vaccine/titer administered. There is no set format for these records, but it should be clear that they were prepared by a licensed medical provider.
We accept the following file types: PDF, PNG, JPG, JPEG, and GIF. Normally, photos taken on a phone in one of these formats are fine, as long as all information indicated above can be seen clearly in your photos.
- If you'd like a template for your doctor or provider to fill out, you can use this Immunization Form. Please note that once you upload the completed form, you will still need to enter the dates of each of your immunizations on the Medical Clearances page on eTang.
- If you would like a template for submitting TB Test Results, you can use this TB Test Results Form.
What if my records are in a language other than English?
Ask your medical provider to prepare a copy of your vaccine/titer records in English (or contact a medical translation service). If we cannot interpret your records, you may be required to re-complete certain vaccines/titers.
- If your medical provider is unable to assist, look into community resources for translation services
- If you'd like a template for your doctor or provider to fill out, you can use this Immunization Form.
- If you would like a template for submitting TB Test Results, you can use this TB Test Results Form.
My PDF/image files are not uploading properly to eTang.
Try re-sizing your files/photos; uploads cannot be larger than 4MB each. Alternatively, you may submit your documentation to Health Records (previously called Medical Records) via mail, fax, or in person. We are unable to accept medical information or records via e-mail, as it is not a secure method of transmission.
What if the vaccine/titer is not available in my country?
You should still complete all other vaccines and/or testing, and submit your documents by the formal deadline.
You may schedule an appointment to receive the outstanding vaccine(s) or titer(s) at UHS once you are eligible for services. Schedule your appointment promptly to avoid an enrollment hold for non-compliance.
The cost of UHS services varies if you do/don't have SHIP insurance (sample fees with/without SHIP).
If you are in the Berkeley area but do not have a medical provider, look into community resources for TB testing and immunizations.
What if I don’t have SHIP?
Even if you have waived out of SHIP, you still need to comply with the TB and Immunization requirements.
You may schedule an appointment to receive the outstanding vaccine(s) or titer(s) at UHS once you are eligible for services (you can still be seen at the Tang Center without SHIP, but you will need to pay out-of-pocket). Schedule your appointment promptly to avoid an enrollment hold for non-compliance. The cost of UHS services varies if you do/don't have SHIP insurance (sample fees with/without SHIP).
If you are in the Berkeley area but do not have a medical provider or do not want to be seen at the Tang Center, look into community resources for TB testing and immunizations
What if I have an allergy or medical contraindication to a vaccine?
You will need to download a Medical Exemption Request form (from the Downloadable Forms page on eTang) and have it filled out and signed by your medical provider, then upload it to eTang under Downloadable Forms before the deadline to allow sufficient time for review. Medical exemption requests will be evaluated individually by the UHS Medical Director.
Can I request a religious exemption?
Religious exemption requests for MMR, Pertussis (Tdap), the Meningococcal conjugate, or Varicella vaccine requirements can be submitted via the Religious Exception Request Form on the eTang Downloadable Forms page.
Other
If you need assistance with the compliance process, please contact us.