The following grid shows a summary of the immunizations that are required before you arrive at Stanford, based on the type of student you are: non-medical vs. medical/physician assistant. It also lists other immunizations that are recommended for your well-being on campus. Additional information about each of the vaccines follows.
| Immunization for | Type of Student | |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Medical (Most Students) | Medical/ Physician Assistant | |
| Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) | Required | Required |
| Hepatitis B | Highly Recommended
| |
| Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) | ||
| Varicella | ||
| SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19)* | Highly Recommended | |
| Meningococcal ACWY** | ||
| Meningococcal B** | ||
| Human Papillomavirus (HPV) | ||
| Hepatitis A | ||
| Pneumococcal** | ||
| Polio | ||
*Medical and Physician Assistant students must meet the current requirements for Stanford Health Care workers. Check with your program for the most up-to-date information.
** These vaccines are highly recommended for specific and/or higher risk populations only.
Vaccine Details
Measles, Mumps, Rubella Vaccine (MMR)
If you were born after 1956, Stanford requires written documentation of one of the following:
- Proof of TWO doses of MMR at least 28 days apart after 12 months of age, or
- Laboratory evidence of antibodies (requires a separate blood titer for each)*
Hepatitis B Vaccine
If you are a medical or physician assistant student, Stanford requires written documentation of BOTH of the following:
- A completed series of Hepatitis B vaccine (x2 doses if Heplisav, x3 doses if other)
- A positive (> 10 mIU/mL) quantitative Hepatitis B Surface Antibody test*
If you have a history of Hepatitis B disease or a negative Hepatitis B Surface Antibody test, see below for additional guidance.
If you have a negative Hepatitis B Surface Antibody test (anti-HBs) after vaccination (<10 mIU/mL):
- You will need a test for Hepatitis B Core Antibody Quantitative and Hepatitis B Surface Antigen titer.
- If they are both negative:
- Receive a booster dose of the hepatitis B vaccine.
- Recheck anti-HBs levels 1–2 months later to assess for a positive response.
- A positive response is defined as anti-HBs ≥10 mIU/mL after the booster; no further doses are needed.
- If a negative response is observed (anti-HBs remains <10 mIU/mL):
- Complete a second vaccination series of 2 or 3 doses, depending upon the vaccine.
- Undergo repeat testing for anti-HBs 1–2 months after the final dose.
- For persistent non-responders after the second vaccination series:
- You will need postexposure prophylaxis (HBIG) in the case of hepatitis B exposure.
If you test positive for Hepatitis B Core Antibody Quantitative and/or Hepatitis B Surface Antigen, you will need to follow up with a Vaden Health Center provider for further advice.
Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis Vaccine (Tdap)
If you are a medical or physician assistant student, you must have had Tdap within the past 10 years.
Varicella (More Commonly Known as Chicken Pox) Vaccine
If you are a medical or physician assistant student, Stanford requires written documentation of ONE of the following:
- Proof of TWO doses of Varicella vaccine, or
- Laboratory evidence of antibodies*
Sars-CoV-2 (Covid-19) Vaccine
If you are a medical or physician assistant student, you must meet the current Covid requirement for Stanford Health Care workers.
Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine
This vaccine is recommended for undergraduate dormitory residents, especially frosh or others who may live in close quarters.
Meningococcal B Vaccine
This vaccine is recommended for certain high-risk individuals and young adults ages 16 – 23.
Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV)
TWO or THREE doses are needed, depending on the type of vaccine and based on age and risk.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
This vaccine is highly recommended, especially for students who will be travelling. TWO doses are needed.
Pneumococcal Vaccine(s)
These vaccines are recommended for certain high-risk individuals, such as those with asthma and/or smokers. Made
Polio Vaccine
An initial series of this vaccine is highly recommended.
*An antibody Titer is a blood test that provides a surrogate indication of your protection against the particular infection. If you choose to submit antibody titers, the results must be positive to meet our requirements.
