Overview
Colleges require specific health documents before your student can register for classes or move into housing. Some immunizations take multiple appointments. Gather everything in July so move-in isn't blocked by paperwork.
What Colleges Typically Require
Proof of Immunizations
Most colleges require (varies by state):
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): 2 doses
- Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis): within 10 years
- Meningococcal (MenACWY): usually required for on-campus housing; some schools require 2 doses
- Hepatitis B: 3 doses
- Varicella (Chickenpox): 2 doses or lab proof of immunity
- COVID-19: Varies by school (some still require, most don't)
- Tuberculosis screening: Required for some students (international, at-risk populations)
Proof of Health Insurance
Most colleges require students be covered by health insurance. Options:
- Stay on parent's plan (ACA allows until age 26)
- Enroll in the college's student health plan
- State Medicaid / Medi-Cal for low-income families
Health History Forms
Each college has its own health history form - typically 4-8 pages covering medications, allergies, mental health history, chronic conditions.
Tuberculosis Screening
Required by many colleges for:
- International students
- Students from high-prevalence areas
- Students with specific risk factors
Action Steps (July - Early August)
1. Request High School Health Records
Your high school has your immunization records (required for K-12 enrollment). Request copies from the school nurse or registrar. Turnaround: 1-2 weeks.
2. Schedule Pediatrician Visit
If any immunizations are missing or out of date, schedule with pediatrician:
- Some vaccines require multiple doses spaced weeks apart
- MenACWY booster is common at 16-18 (if first dose at 11-12)
- Allow 3-4 weeks for multiple doses
3. Health Insurance Decision
Compare:
- Parent's plan coverage in the college's state (in-network providers?)
- College health plan cost and coverage
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal availability for eligible students
4. Complete College Health Portal
- Most colleges have an online health portal (StudentHealth@[college], Magnus Health, Medicat)
- Upload documents directly
- Fill in health history
- Sign HIPAA consent (if student is 18+, parent may need separate consent form)
5. Verify Submission
- Confirm each document was accepted (not "pending" or "missing")
- Follow up if anything is rejected or flagged
- Keep copies for your records
Common Stumbling Blocks
- Student turns 18 during senior year → parents can no longer access medical info without separate HIPAA consent
- Student's high school records are incomplete (transferred between schools)
- Immunization on the wrong format (needs official stamp/signature)
- TB test requires a second-visit reading 48-72 hours later
- Meningococcal B vaccine required at some schools (different from MenACWY)
Prescription Medications
If student takes daily medications:
- Confirm coverage in new state
- Find in-network pharmacy near campus
- Get a 90-day supply if possible
- Refill logistics for ADHD medications (Schedule II, cannot be refilled early)
Mental Health Considerations
- Counseling services at college: know how to access on day 1
- Continuing therapy: find a provider near campus before move-in
- Psychiatric medications: same as above
If Student Has Chronic Conditions
- Register with the college's Disability Services office (even without a disability - just for accommodations)
- Asthma inhaler, EpiPen access plans
- Diabetes supplies logistics
Timeline
- July: Gather all records, schedule pediatrician
- Early August: Complete missing immunizations
- Mid-August: Submit all documents via college portal
- By Move-In: Confirm all documents accepted