Immunizations

Student Health Service staff extends a warm welcome to entering undergraduate students, graduate students, non-degree students, transfer students, and parents.

The District of Columbia Immunization Law requires that all students born after August 1, 1987, provide proof of certain immunizations prior to registration.

Download and complete the Mandatory Health Form.

Required Immunizations

  • One Tetanus Diphtheria booster or Tdap vaccine given on or after August 1, 2003.
  • Two vaccinations against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) given after age one and a minimum of 30 days apart, or provide laboratory proof of immunity.
  • Two vaccinations against Varicella (Chicken Pox) given a minimum of 30 days apart, regardless of the age at which the student was first vaccinated, or provide history of Varicella (Chicken Pox) disease, or provide laboratory proof of immunity.
  • Three vaccinations against Hepatitis B, Dose 2 given 30 days after Dose 1, Dose 3 given 4 months after Dose 2, or according to the Hepatitis accelerated schedule, or provide laboratory proof of immunity.
  • Meningococcal vaccine booster required if the first dose is before age 16 or a signed waiver request form [link]. We strongly recommend that students planning to live in University housing receive the Meningococcal vaccine before arriving on campus.
  • Medical Students: All of the above + Hepatitis B titer (blood test which proves immunity).
  • International Students: All of the Above + TB screening (PPD) strongly recommended.

Deadlines

All students must have forms submitted by:
• August 1 for Fall Admits
• January 1 for Spring Admits

Medical or Religious Exemptions

Students seeking exemption from the immunization requirement for medical or religious reasons must submit the following:

  1. A letter from a medical clinician or religious clergy stating the reason for a need for exemption.
  2. GW Mandatory Health Form.
  3. Copy of MMR and Varicella Titer results.

Processing Time

It takes approximately four weeks to process the form by mail. For forms that are faxed or walked in, it takes one to two weeks. We do not process records on weekends. During class registration periods, records are generally processed within two to four business days.

Registration Holds

Your student account will incur a registration hold if complete immunization records are not received by our office. After we receive your complete immunization records, the hold will be lifted. To see if your hold has been lifted:

  1. Login to the GWeb Info System.
  2. Select the following: Student Records & Registration -> Student Records Information Menu -> View Administrative Holds.
  3. “Incomplete Immunization Status” means your record was either not received or is incomplete. If there is no Student Health hold listed, your record is received and complete.