MEASLES, MUMPS & RUBELLA (MMR)
Q: I received individual doses of Measles, Mumps, and Rubella, is that still sufficient?
A: Yes, as long as each dosage was on or after your first birthday and you received two dosages of each separated by at least 28 days.
Q: I received the first dosage of MMR before my first birthday, what do I do?
A: You must receive a third dosage.
VARICELLA
Q: If I had Chicken Pox as a child does that mean I am cleared for the Varicella requirement?
A: No, even if you had Chicken Pox as child, you still need to get a titer (blood test) to prove immunity.
Q: I only got the titer for Varicella, is that sufficient?
A: Yes, if the titer is positive, that will satisfy the Varicella immunity requirement. If titer is negative, documentation of 2 doses required.
Q: I got the first dose of Varicella before my first birthday, what do I do?
A: You must receive a third dosage.
TUBERCULOSIS (TB)
Q: Is the TB screening mandatory?
A: International students are required to submit a laboratory report of a negative Quantiferon or Tspot blood test completed in the United States or Canada within 6 months of your first semester at USC. Students from countries of origin that are not “high TB burden” as designated by the World Health Organization may be exempt from this requirement. Visit http://bit.ly/TBcountrylist to view complete list of exempted and required screening countries.
Q: What if I had the BCG vaccine?
A: A history of BCG immunization does NOT fulfill this requirement.
Q: What if I had a reactive/positive T-Spot or QuantiFeron-TB Gold test?
A: You must submit proof of the positive result and a normal/negative Chest X-Ray report done within 6 months prior to entry to USC to confirm that you do not have active Tuberculosis (TB). X-ray images will not be accepted; the report must be submitted.
MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE
Q: I received a Meningococcal B, Trumenba, or Bexsero vaccine, does that satisfy the requirement?
A: No. You must receive a dose of Menactra or Menveo (Meningococcal ACWY/MCV4) on or after the age of 16.
Q: Do you allow titers for Meningococcal?
A: No. We only accept documentation of the vaccine on or after the age of 16.
Q: I got the Meningococcal vaccine before my 16th birthday, what do I do?
A: You will need another dose of the Meningococcal vaccine to satisfy the requirement.
DEADLINE & COMPLIANCE FAQS
Q: What is the deadline for completing the immunization requirements?
A: All new incoming students should submit their documentation by Friday, September 10, 2021.
Q: Will I be penalized if I do not complete the requirements by the deadline?
A: If you have not submitted documentation of the immunization requirements by the deadline or completed them at the student health center, the registrar will put a hold on your registration for future class registration and you will be charged a late fee.
Q: Can I get an extension on the deadline so I can fulfill the requirements at the USC Student Health Center?
A: No, there will not be a deadline extension. If you are missing any of the immunizations required, you may come to the health center to use services.
Q: Will I get a confirmation email once I fulfill the requirements?
A: No, you can check your student portal at mySHR (https://www.usc.edu/myshr) to see if you have satisfied the requirements.
EXEMPTIONS
Q: Can I request a personal belief or religious belief exemption?
A: Yes, Religious/Philosophical and Medical exemptions are allowed. Students with a medical condition that is a CDC contraindication to vaccination for the following vaccines: (MMR, Varicella, Meningococcal conjugate) will need to have their medical provider complete the Medical Exemption form and submit to USC.
Q: How do I submit my Medical Exemption form?
A: Print the Medical Exemption form and bring it to your provider to complete. The form can be found at mySHR forms page (https://studenthealth.usc.edu/forms/). Once completed, upload into mySHR (https://www.usc.edu/myshr).
Q: Do I need to comply with the immunization requirements if I am a former USC undergraduate and now entering graduate school?
A: Yes. All full and part time entering students who will be in a formal class with other students on campus will need to comply even if you previously attended USC. The requirements may have changed since you last enrolled.
Q: Are there any exempt programs/majors?
A: Yes. Online students that do not attend any classes on campus are exempt from the requirements.
NOTE: YOU WILL ONLY HEAR BACK FROM USC STUDENT HEALTH IF YOUR EXEMPTION IS NOT APPROVED.
QUESTIONS REGARDING MYSHR
Q: What forms are required in mySHR before I begin studies at USC?
A: To complete immunization requirements, students must complete Immunization Requirements and History form and upload supporting documents. Prior to first appointment at Student Health, students are required to complete Consent to Treatment and Health History forms.
Q: What types of documents are accepted?
A: You have the option to submit your vaccine records OR have your provider complete the Immunizations Checklist. We recommend combining all documentation into a single file (PDF, PNG, JPG, or GIF file types accepted).
Q: What should submissions include?
A: Submissions must include all pages of your vaccination history (i.e. USC Immunizations Checklist, yellow immunization card, etc.) and patient name and date of birth must be clearly listed. All documentation must include an official signature or stamp from your physician or clinic. Incomplete documents will not be accepted.
Q: What should lab results include?
A: All laboratory results must include the full report including a numeric value and reference range.
Q: If I submitted my immunization records or the Immunizations Checklist, do I need to fill out the required immunization fields in mySHR?
A: Yes, you are still required to fill out immunization date fields that are visible on the mySHR immunizations page. Your documentation will not be reviewed unless the date fields were filled out.
Q: Do I still have to submit my immunization/lab reports if my physician’s office signs and completes the Immunization Checklist provided?
A: The Immunization Checklist is sufficient along with lab reports when applicable. If your physician’s office completes, signs and stamps the Immunization Checklist, you must:
1) Upload the checklist AND
2) Fill out applicable immunization date fields on MySHR. Your documentation will not be reviewed unless the date fields were filled out.
The deadline to complete all immunization requirements for the semester is September 10, 2021. Incomplete immunizations will result in a late fee and registration hold.
