All individuals who are new to Stanford—frosh, undergraduate transfers, graduate students, and others—must meet certain Health Requirements before joining the campus community. Requirements vary depending on the type of student (non-medical versus medical/physician assistant).
- If you are a new student, regardless of quarter of entry, several steps are required to comply with the Health Requirements before your arrival on campus. Pay special attention to the deadline that corresponds to your quarter of entry.
- If you are a returning student who bypassed the Health Requirements in the past, you must comply with them now.
- Last Edited: 5.8.2026
Additional Considerations Before Your Arrival on Campus
Below, we’ve listed a few tips that may help smooth your transition to Stanford.
- Assemble a copy of your important medical records to bring with you to Stanford.
- Make an appointment with your physician or mental health provider to discuss, complete, or transfer any treatments in progress. If you have a condition requiring ongoing treatment, ask your current provider to supply a written summary of your care needs.
- Visit your dentist
- Refill your prescriptions
- Gather any basic over-the-counter medications you routinely use
- Assemble a basic first aid kit (bandages, scissors, etc.) - be sure to include a thermometer
- Invest in a backup pair of eyeglasses and/or contact lenses, and bring a copy of your vision-related prescription(s) with you.
- Bring face coverings for situations in which you might want or need them.
- Make sure to pack your bike helmet
- Place your health insurance card in your wallet. Plan to carry the card with you. Alternatively, you can download/scan to your phone.
Deadlines to Complete Health Requirements Based on Quarter of Entry (or Return)
Students entering Stanford University for the first time must complete Entrance Health Requirements, including required immunizations, screening, and in some cases, testing, and submission of all required forms by the following deadlines:
Students returning to Stanford should review the latest health requirements to ensure compliance.
| For… | Quarter entering Stanford | Deadline for Completion of Entrance Health Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Incoming frosh | Autumn Quarter | Aug. 15, 2026 |
| Undergraduate transfers | Autumn Quarter | Aug. 15, 2026 |
| Incoming graduate and professional students | Autumn Quarter | Aug. 15, 2026 |
| Students (any type) entering in a quarter other than Autumn | Winter Quarter | 2027 date TBD |
| Spring Quarter | 2027 date TBD | |
| Summer Quarter | Jun. 1, 2026; 2027 date TBD |
* Note – These dates are subject to change. Please check this site for the latest information as your quarter of entry approaches
More Information about Health Requirements
For all students, including Medical (MD) and Physician Assistant (PA).
For all students, including Medical (MD) and Physician Assistant (PA).
For students who are accepted into the Summer Session program (high school, undergrad, or graduate).
Health requirements that need to be completed annually for MD and PA students.
For researchers and students in a non-matriculated program.
What If I Cannot Upload My Forms?
Important Note: You will not be able to access the VadenPatient portal until the University has fully processed your entry. (Processes can include matriculation, term activation, and other steps.) If you try to enter dates or upload forms to VadenPatient and get stuck in a non-sensical loop, chances are the university has not completed processing you. This is not cause for concern; different students get processed at different times. Please just wait a week or two and try again. You can also check with your department to get an update on your status.
We understand the stress this may cause and will do our best to assist you through the process. Unfortunately, we cannot send any of the embedded forms to you in advance or accept documents before you have access to the portal. We kindly ask that you hold onto your records until you can upload them yourself.
What if I Miss the Deadline?
The Health Requirement process involves protected health information, and we are unable to discuss results or personal specifics with third parties without your explicit consent.
If you do not complete your Health Requirements or resolve all deficiencies, you will have a HOLD placed on your course registration.
A HOLD means you won’t be able to register for classes for the quarter. You might incur additional registration fees, lose pre-selected classes, and face interruption of your loan and stipend checks.
If a HOLD is placed on your registration, take immediate steps to complete any unmet Health Requirements. If you have questions about what you need to do to be cleared, submit a ServiceNow ticket.
Fees
Students are responsible for the cost of the required (and recommended) vaccines and testing. Immunization and testing (if needed) should be completed prior to students’ arrival on campus. Those that are considered preventive are typically covered by insurance.
All required annual surveillance and testing for Medical and Physician Assistant students are billed to the students' insurance. Any cost share associated with these services is determined by the student’s insurance plan and coverage.
Exemption From Required Vaccinations
All entering students who wish to request a medical or religious exemption from the immunization requirement(s) must do so prior to the dates listed below.
- For Autumn Quarter Entry Students, exemption requests must be submitted by July 31.
- For Winter Quarter Entry Students, exemption requests must be submitted by December 1.
- For Spring Quarter Entry Students, exemption requests must be submitted by March 1.
- For Summer Quarter Entry Students, exemption requests must be submitted by May 1.
Review of such requests can take up to four weeks, so please don’t delay if you plan to request an exemption.
Note: Purely personal attitudes, beliefs, or preferences are not acceptable grounds for exemption.
If you wish to request a medical exemption, please submit the Application for Medical Exemption from Vaccination.
If you wish to request a religious exemption, please submit the Request for Religious Exemption from Required Immunizations.
For Questions About the Health Requirements
Contact Vaden Health Center staff using ServiceNow. Go to 'Student Services & Academics', select the 'Student Health' box, and then select 'Inquire about Health Requirements' to submit your question. Please provide your student ID and your @stanford.edu email account to facilitate a timely response.
Health Requirements FAQ
Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions page! Not sure what shots you need or how to clear a hold? Don’t stress—these FAQs break it all down so you can get things squared away fast.
