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 Services (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.
Immunization Requirements 2023-2024
Documentation for the following immunizations and tests is required prior to matriculation for all entering medical students:
- COVID-19 Vaccine - All health science students in the School of Medicine must be compliant with the current Emory COVID-19 vaccine requirements. Student Health Services will list the current COVID-19 vaccine requirements and 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. One adult Tdap booster is mandatory after the age of 11.
- 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- a positive antibody titer for each disease.
- Varicella (Chickenpox) – positive Varicella antibody titer -OR- two (2) doses of the Varicella vaccine given at least 1 month apart.
- Hepatitis B – complete 2 or 3 dose series, followed by a positive quantitative antibody titer.
- Tuberculosis Screening – students must provide a negative IGRA tuberculosis blood test (QuantiFERON Gold or T-spot) that has been administered within six months prior to matriculation.
TB Screening notes:
- Entering students with a positive test for latent TB are required to provide a negative chest x-ray.
- Students who have received BCG vaccination in the past are required to have a negative IGRA tuberculosis blood test (QuantiFERON Gold or T-spot). If the IGRA is positive, students are required to provide a negative chest x-ray.
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.
Last modified: 07/13/2023.