Skip to main content
Student Health Services

Immunization Requirements

Under Illinois law, effective August 5th, 2016, and University policy, all students enrolled in on-campus courses are required to provide proof of immunity to:

  • Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Td/Tdap vaccine): Three doses required; at least one must be Tdap and one within the last 10 years. Minimum intervals: 1 month between doses 1 & 2, 6 months between doses 2 & 3.
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR vaccine): Two doses after age 1 and after Dec 31, 1967, or two doses of each separate vaccine. Exempt if born before 1957.
  • Meningitis: Meningococcal (MenACWY vaccine): One dose for students 21 or younger; a second dose is required if the first was given before age 16. Meningitis B does not meet this requirement.
  • Tuberculosis (TB) Screening: Required for all international students within 10 days of arriving on campus. Call (309) 438-2778 to schedule. 

Proof of immunity can be provided with:

  • Illinois School Certificate of Child Health (from your high school)
  • Immunization records from your doctor or a government health agency
  • Blood titers showing immunity from previous vaccines or diseases. To request a lab test for titers, schedule an appointment by calling Nurse Consult at (309) 438-7676.
  • Physical exams are not required.

Submit Immunization Records

Submit immunization records via:

Copies of your immunization record on file with Student Health Services are available from Medical Records.

Deadlines

Immunization records, or petitions for a medical or religious exemption, must be submitted by the 10th day of classes:

  • Summer 2025: Tuesday, July 1, 2025
  • Fall 2025: Friday, August 29, 2025 - submission by August 1 is strongly encouraged
  • Spring 2026: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 - submission by January 1 is strongly encouraged
  • Non-Compliance: Failure to submit immunization records, obtain an approved exemption, or complete a TB screening (for international students) by the deadline will incur a $75 non-compliance fee and a course registration block. Students with extenuating circumstances prevented may file a Petition to Waive the fee. 

Exemptions

Students may request a religious or medical exemption from vaccination requirements. Exemption forms are due by the 10th day of classes, the vaccination record deadline.

  • Religious Exemption: Students 18 or older must complete their own petition. For those under 18, a parent or guardian must complete it. This exemption expires on the student’s 18th birthday, at which point the student must either submit a new petition or provide updated vaccination records.
  • Medical Exemption: The form must be completed and signed by a licensed physician (MD or DO), advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), or physician assistant (PA). Forms signed by a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) will not be accepted.

Other Recommended Vaccines

In addition to required vaccines, Student Health Services strongly recommends the following:

  • Meningococcal B (MenB): Not required by state law, but protects against a rare, serious illness. Talk to a healthcare provider to see if this vaccine is right for you.
  • Hepatitis B: Recommended for all students; required for certain academic programs with a higher risk of exposure. 
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): Two doses or proof of immunity recommended for everyone, due to recent outbreaks.
  • HPV: Recommended for students ages 9–26 to protect against certain cancers and genital warts.
  • COVID-19: Not required, but strongly encouraged.

All recommended vaccines are available at the SHS medical clinic. Call (309) 438-2778 for an appointment.