Immunization Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Please review the General Immunization Guide before starting your immunization process. For Medical and GEMS Students, please review the General Immunization Guide for Medical and GEMS Students .

The immunization portal works best with the following web browsers:
–Google Chrome
–Mozilla Firefox
–Apple Safari

We recommend that you access your Immunization Portal and input as much information as possible ahead of the deadline. Please also request an extension through the Immunization Portal. After the deadline, registration holds may be placed on your student account. 

While we prefer that you complete the Georgetown University Immunization Form, we accept official immunization records with the following requirements: the records must include the student’s first and last name, date of birth, date(s) of vaccinations, sufficient English translation (if necessary), and a signature/stamp of a healthcare provider (RN, PA, NP, MD/DO). Please note that the name and DOB should be included on each page. If you have questions or concerns about a specific immunization, please send a secure message through the Immunization Portal. Using records other than the Georgetown University Immunization Form can cause a delay in your compliance. Additionally, Medical and GEMS students must use the AAMC Form without exception. 

Yes, you must complete both the paper and electronic immunization forms. If the electronic immunization forms are not completed along with the uploaded documentation, you will not be considered compliant and your registration may be delayed.

Yes. All students, regardless of age, are screened for tuberculosis risk by completing the Tuberculosis Screening Form in the My Forms tab in the Immunization Portal. 
Depending on your TB exposure, some additional testing or screenings may be needed. The screening questions are consistent with the Center for Disease Control and American College Health Association guidelines.

All students, regardless of age, are screened for tuberculosis risk by completing the Tuberculosis Screening Form in the My Forms tab in the Immunization Portal. Additionally, if you log into your account on the Immunization Portal, you may view the required immunizations for your age and program. If you turn 26 prior to the school start dates (September 1 for Fall and January 1 for Spring), only the TB screening form will be required. We recommend that you submit an extension for immunization compliance by sending a secure message in the Immunization Portal to ensure that a hold is not placed on your student account.  

If you are a student continuing your education at Georgetown but in a different program* within the last 7 years, your previous compliance should remain active. Please send us a secure message in the Immunization Portal if you encounter any issues. *If you are now entering as a Medical or GEMS Student, you do have new requirements and will not be compliant until those are met.

If you were admitted to a graduate program (for example, biomedical graduate education) on or near July 1st, we recommend that you log into the Immunization Portal to view your specifical requirements for your age and program. Once you review the information required, please upload as much documentation as you can. Please request an extension through the Immunization Portal secure message.

All required vaccine series can be completed within a 1-6 month time span (depending on which type of vaccine is administered). If you are in-process of completing one or more vaccine series prior to the start of school or unable to obtain a vaccination at your current residence, please request an extension so that we can provide temporary compliance while you complete your vaccination requirements. Temporary compliance will vary depending upon the vaccine(s) in process. Once an extension expires, if you have not completed your requirements, then you will be considered non-compliant again. This may impact your ability to register for subsequent semesters. 

Regardless of your vaccine schedule, please have your healthcare provider (RN, PA, NP, MD/DO) complete and sign the paper Immunization History Form with current vaccinations. Upload the completed paper form to the Immunization Portal and complete the corresponding electronic Immunization History Form in the Immunization Portal. You will receive a secure message in the Immunization Portal if additional immunizations are required.

For a new positive TB test, we recommend:
–schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider (RN, PA, NP, MD/DO) to review your result;
–complete a chest X-ray as ordered by your healthcare provider;
–discuss applicable treatment options.
–have your healthcare provider doctor complete and sign the TB testing form;
–upload the completed paper TB Testing Form to the Immunization Portal;
–and complete the corresponding electronic TB Testing Form in the Immunization Portal. 
For a past positive TB test with completed chest X-ray and/or treatment:
–have your healthcare provider doctor complete and sign the TB testing form;
–upload the completed paper TB Testing Form to the Immunization Portal;
–and complete the corresponding electronic TB Testing Form in the Immunization Portal. 

If your first MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) and/or Varicella vaccine was administered before your first birthday, it does not count, making you noncompliant. You need to complete one of the following:

– MMR and/or Varicella shot

OR

– MMR and Varicella blood test to prove your immunity to the diseases

– If you are living in a dorm and have never received this vaccine OR if you last received this vaccine before your 16th Birthday you must complete another dose.

        OR

– Sign the meningitis waiver.

Once you have confirmed that the vaccination is required for you, then please go to the electronic “Immunization History Form” located in the “My Forms” tab on Immunization Portal. You will be able to select the Medical Exemption request.  You will need to submit a written letter in English with a signature/stamp of a medical physician (NP, PA, RN, or international equivalents are currently not accepted). The letter must detail: 
–the current vaccine(s) that you have received,
–the exact vaccine(s) that you can not receive,
–the specific medical reason why you can not receive each vaccine (listed separately),
–and the consequences that would occur if you were to receive this vaccine.
The signed documentation and letter should be uploaded in the Immunization Portal.