Student Vaccination Policy

Immunization against life-threatening diseases is an important tool in the prevention and mitigation of infectious disease outbreaks. This vaccine policy may be modified in response to changes in public health requirements or recommendations. To protect the health of both students and the community as a whole, Caltech has required the following vaccines (or serologic proof indicating immunity, when applicable) for all enrolled students:

• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR): Two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine with the first dose on or after 1st birthday OR blood test showing immunity (positive titers). If the first dose was received on or after the first birthday, then a measles, mumps, rubella booster will be required.
• Varicella (Chicken Pox): Two doses of varicella (chicken pox) vaccine on or after the first birthday OR blood test showing immunity (positive titer). If the first dose was received on or after the first birthday, then a varicella booster will be required. A personal history of having chickenpox does not meet compliance.
• Meningococcal Conjugate ACWY (Meningitis): One dose of meningococcal conjugate ACWY (meningitis) after age 16 for all students under age 22.
• Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis: One dose of Tdap is due after age 7 AND a booster dose of Tetanus and diphtheria OR Tdap is due every 10 years.
• Tuberculosis (TB): All students must complete the TB Risk Screen in the Student Portal. If further action is needed, the TB Blood Test compliance will appear in your portal. TB Blood tests will be accepted if they are the lab results for a T-spot or QuantiFERON gold completed in the prior six months. Older tests will not be accepted. If your TB blood test is positive, then you will be asked to have a Chest X-ray and have a provider complete your TB Medical Evaluation Form. The form will be made available to you in your portal. Chest X-rays should be completed in the prior 12 months.

View the vaccine exemption policy.
Effective June 19, 2023: COVID-19 vaccination no longer required.

Recommended Vaccinations:

• Annual Influenza (Flu) for all students
• COVID-19 vaccination for all students
• Hepatitis A for all students
• Hepatitis B for all students
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) for all students
• Poliovirus (Polio) for all students
• Haemophilus influenza for certain students
• Jynneos (M-Pox) vaccine for certain students
• Meningitis B for certain students
• Pneumococcal for certain students
• Zooster vaccination for age 50 years or older

Please discuss with a healthcare provider if you have questions.

Resource: CDC Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule for Ages 19 and Older