Intro

New Student FAQ

Why do I need to submit immunization forms?

The Illinois College Immunization Code requires that college students enrolled on campus should be immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps and rubella. Students under the age 22 must be immunized against meningitis. All immunization forms must be signed/certified by a health care provider or public health official. International students are required to undergo tuberculosis screening when they arrive on campus.

What are the vaccination requirements?

llinois requires that college students enrolled on campus must show proof of immunity against certain vaccine-preventable diseases.  These include:

MEASLES, MUMPS AND RUBELLA (MMR)

Students shall provide documentation of two doses of live measles, mumps and rubella virus vaccine.

  • First dose must be on or after the first birthday.
  • Second dose at least 28 days after the first.
  • Students who cannot provide proof of immunization may provide laboratory (serologic) evidence of immunity.
  • Individuals born before 1957 are exempt from MMR vaccine documentation.
  • If Measles dose was received prior to 1968, proof must be provided that a live virus vaccine, without gamma globulin, was administered.

 

DIPTHERIA, TETANUS, PERTUSSIS (DPT, DTP, DT, DTAP, TD, TDAP)

Students shall provide dates of any combination of three or more doses of Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis vaccines. 

  • One dose MUST be Tdap vaccine. (Trade Names: Adacel, Boostrix, Repevax: must be administered after 2005)
  • The last dose of vaccine must have been administered within 10 years of the student's enrollment date.
  • The first and second dose must have been administered at least four weeks (28 days) apart.
  • The third dose must have been administered at least six months after the second or last dose of the basic series
  • Receipt of Tetanus Toxoid (T.T.) vaccine is not acceptable in fulfilling this requirement.
  • Tetanus titers are not acceptable proof of immunity.

 

MENINGOCOCCAL VACCINE (TRADE NAMES: MENQUADFI, MENACTRA, MENVEO, NIMENRIX, ARAMEN)

Students under the age of 22 shall show proof of having at least one dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine on or after 16 years of age.

What parents and students need to know: dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/meningococcal-disease

Source (http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/077/077006940B01000R.html)

Are there fees if I receive my vaccines at McKinley Health Center?

You may receive any or all of the required immunizations at McKinley for a fee. Vaccination fees are posted on McKinley’s website.

Your vaccinations may be covered by your health insurance plan. Note: McKinley Health Center does not bill insurance companies. Students are responsible for submitting requests for reimbursement directly to their insurance company.

How do I complete TB Screening requirements and are there fees?

Tuberculosis screening is required for all international students. Screening consists of completion of an electronic questionnaire and a Quantiferon TB Gold blood test for students who have lived in countries outside of the United States which are considered to be high risk. There is no charge for the screening, however, there is a charge for the QuantiFERON® Gold blood test.

Students with negative QuantiFERON-TB Gold blood test results within 6 months of their enrollment (for testing outside the U.S.) and/or within one year of their enrollment date (for testing within the U.S.) should submit documented test results (in English) via their student health portal at MyMcKinley.illinois.edu

Students who have a positive blood test will be asked to return for chest X-ray to screen for pulmonary tuberculosis. Students who have a prior history of tuberculosis or who are receiving treatment for tuberculosis should bring copies of all treatment records, including medical notes and laboratory reports. Failure to comply with tuberculosis screening requirements will prevent you from adding/dropping classes during the current semester and registering for classes during subsequent semesters.

If students require both TB screening and vaccination upon arrival to campus, the TB screening should be done first followed immediately by vaccination. This must be scheduled through McKinley Health Center by calling (217) 333-2700.  Otherwise, there must be a 4-week delay following vaccination before TB screening can be obtained.

What is the best way to submit my forms and records?

The fastest most secure method of submitting your documents:

 

If you are having difficulty uploading your documents, you may fax or mail:

  • Fax to (217) 244-1278
  • Mail or hand deliver to:

McKinley Health Center
1109 S. Lincoln Ave.
Urbana, IL 61801

Please include your University Identification Number (UIN) on each document. We are not able to accept documents by email.

Is a physician's signature required on the Immunization History Form?

A licensed health care provider must complete and sign the Immunization History form, or you may attach official immunization records.

Is a physical exam required?

No, a physical exam is not required for admission.

I cannot obtain a certain immunization in my country, what should I do?

  • Tdap – Currently, Adacel and Boostrix are the only vaccine brands that meet State of Illinois requirements for Tdap vaccine and are not available in all countries.
  • Meningococcal vaccine – Currently, Menactra, Menveo and Nimenrix are the only meningococcal conjugate vaccine brands that meet State of Illinois requirements for meningitis vaccine and are not available in all countries.

 

You should provide us with the Immunization History form for those vaccinations that you have received. You may visit McKinley Health Center or a provider of your choice to obtain any remaining immunizations. There are fees associated with obtaining immunizations at McKinley Health Center.

How can I confirm uploaded documents were received?

After clicking upload in MyMcKinley, all documents submitted will be displayed in your portal.

Will I be notified that my documents were received?

Yes. You will receive an email sent to your University email account within 2-3 weeks alerting you to go to your patient portal (MyMcKinley) to view your immunization compliance status.

Are there any exemptions to the requirements?

  • Medical exemption - A written, signed and dated statement from a physician stating the specific contraindicated vaccine(s), the reason why and duration of the medical exemption is required. Documents are reviewed and approved by the Medical Director at McKinley.
  • Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy - A signed and dated statement from a physician indicating that you are pregnant (include expected date of delivery) is required. After delivery, you must then comply with state immunization requirements as directed by your physician.
  • Religious exemption - Submit the Petition for Exemption to the Dean of Students at helpdean@illinois.edu

Do I need to put a cover sheet on my fax?

A cover sheet is not necessary. The faxes go to a designated fax machine in a secure area at McKinley Health Center. However, including the student's University Identification Number (UIN) on each page would assist us in matching it with the student record

What healthcare services can I receive as a student at the University of Illinois?

Learn more about services offered at McKinley Health Center

Can I submit my immunization records to the Admissions & Records Office?

No. Please send immunization records directly to McKinley Health Center. Other departments and offices at the University of Illinois may not forward the records to McKinley on a timely basis.

The fastest most secure method of submitting your documents:

 
If you are having difficulty uploading your documents, you may fax or mail:

  • Fax to (217) 244-1278
  • Mail or hand deliver to:

McKinley Health Center
1109 S. Lincoln Ave.
Urbana, IL 61801

Please include your University Identification Number (UIN) on each document. We are not able to accept documents by email.

Can I email my forms and records?

No. For your safety and privacy, we cannot accept medical forms as email attachments.

The fastest most secure method of submitting your documents:

 
If you are having difficulty uploading your documents, you may fax or mail:

  • Fax to (217) 244-1278
  • Mail or hand deliver to:

McKinley Health Center
1109 S. Lincoln Ave.
Urbana, IL 61801

Please include your University Identification Number (UIN) on each document. We are not able to accept documents by email.

Do I need to do the TB screening form?

You will receive TB Screening instructions from the ISSS office.

My doctor's appointment isn't until after the deadline. Is it ok to submit the forms late?

While there is no immediate penalty for missing the deadline, failure to comply with immunization and TB screening requirements will prevent you from adding/dropping classes during the current semester and registering for classes during subsequent semesters. Students will be notified by email if a hold is going to be placed on their student account.

Did McKinley receive my fax?

Depending on the settings for your fax machine, you may or may not have received a fax confirmation. Given the large volume of Immunization forms received it may take up to four weeks before all records are entered into the system. Students that are still out of compliance will be sent a notice to check their secure messages in MyMckinley.

The fax machine is busy. What do I do?

During peak times, it may be difficult to send records to our fax machine. Please use an alternative method.

The fastest most secure method of submitting your documents:

If you are having difficulty uploading your documents, you may fax or mail:

  • Fax to (217) 244-1278
  • Mail or hand deliver to:

McKinley Health Center
1109 S. Lincoln Ave.
Urbana, IL 61801

Please include your University Identification Number (UIN) on each document. We are not able to accept documents by email.

Are the recommended shots required for admission?

No.