<p>I'm an international student. All my friends going to other US universities have received information from their universities on the different medical tests, vaccinations, etc. that they are required to have before they go to that university. I have received no such thing from Penn. Do any of you have any advice or links to point me in the right direction?</p>
<p>Student</a> Health Service Main Page</p>
<p>i think we don't need to get vaccinations before we arrive on campus, but i haven't read the information carefully enough. if you find something could you please tell me? also, i think we'll receive information about the insurance etc. at some point during the summer...</p>
<p>From the website: Important</a> Information for New International Students</p>
<p>Immunizations</p>
<p>All new students at the University of Pennsylvania are required to show that they have been fully immunized against several diseases. These include pertussis, meningitis, tetanus, diphtheria, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella and hepatitis B. In addition, many students will be contacted by Student Health Services (SHS) to have a PPD skin test for tuberculosis after fall classes start. A complete list is found at SHS</a> Immunization Requirements.</p>
<p>All incoming students are required to submit their immunization records on a secure web site. For more information please visit SHS</a> Immunization Compliance Office Online System. You will need to verify this information by mailing or faxing SHS a copy of your immunization records. We suggest you that you bring copies of your immunization records to Penn, in case they fail to reach SHS. In order to access the web site you will need to have a PennKey.</p>
<pre><code>Immunization Coordinator, SHS
Tel: 215-349-5047
Fax: 215-662-4260
Email: immun@pobox.upenn.edu
Web: Student Health Service
</code></pre>
<p>
[quote]
Students are exempt from the immunization requirements if there is a medical contraindication or if religious or philosophical belief prohibits immunizations. A signed statement indicating specific medical contraindication from a Medical Doctor, Osteopath, Nurse Practitioner or a Physician’s Assistant is required for medical exemption. A signed declaration of religious or philosophical belief must be submitted to SHS. If the exemption includes meningococcal vaccine, the Meningococcal Waiver must also be submitted. The Student History and Consent Form still must be submitted.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>This is just to point out that it is NOT required you receive immunizations. Penn cannot force you to get them. I have never received an immunization and will not before I go to Penn for philosophical reasons. </p>
<p>I just thought I'd put that out there. People make it sound like you MUST get them if you want to attend Penn. This is simply not the case.</p>
<p>I'm a bit confused...Assuming that I plan on NOT waiving the immunization requirements for whatever reasons, do I have to get the shots PRIOR to my arrival at Penn? Or is it sufficient if I get an appointment at the SHS when I arrive there?</p>
<p>Try to get them before. It will make your life easier.</p>
<p>Indeed, try your best to get them before you arrive at school. Your world will be a nightmare when you get put on hold because your records aren't up to date. If for some reason you can't get them though, you can arrange with student health to get all the shots on campus. Rister, as an int'l student you may have a lot on your plate when you arrive, so I'd really recommend trying to get them done ahead of time.</p>
<p>Also note that you have to provide documentation for some of the stuff, and you have to get the paperwork to a certain place, so don't leave this stuff for the last minute.</p>
<p>VH and mattwonder, thanks for the advice. I didn't realize that taking the shots before college would make my life easier. I'll take care of this as soon as I'm home for work.</p>
<p>Thanks for your help everyone!</p>
<p>You need to have the TB test at Penn though - so don't waste money on getting it ahead of time.</p>