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New Students: A Medical Checklist

Before you come to Berkeley, there are a number of ways you can plan ahead to avoid or minimize the complications caused by illness.  And there is one thing you must do if you are under 19 years of age on the first day of classes (see Hepatitis B below).

RequestWhat to Do
First-aid kitBring a first aid kit, including a thermometer.
Remember, once on campus, University Health Services Tang Center is available to all Cal students, regardless of health insurance coverage.
Health insurance coverageIf you are covered under a health insurance plan other than the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), bring a copy of your health card (front and back) to campus. It is important to check your policy to be sure you are covered  “out of area” for non-emergencies.
Health summary Bring a health summary from your health care provider if you have chronic health problems (such as asthma or diabetes). This helps University Health Services staff provide you with the best possible care. We also suggest you make an appointment to establish care with a provider before you become ill if you have ongoing health needs. Call 642-2000 for an appointment. See Medical Appointments to learn more about how to be seen at the Tang Center.
Hepatitis B
immunization series
Series of three doses required for enrollment at UC (for those under 19 on first day of classes) unless there is a medical contraindication. Hepatitis B immunizations are available. See Hepatitis B: Condition of Enrollment for more information.
Immunization recordsBring a copy with you to campus and to your first appointment at UHS. This will help you accurately record your health history.
Immunization recommendations

In addition to the standard pediatric immunization series and Hepatitis B immunization requirement, the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the American College Health Association (ACHA) recommends the following: 

  • Gardasil®, the newly recommended Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine. Recommended for girls and women from ages 9-26. Three dose series. (See more information.)
  • MMR(measles, mumps and rubella). Two doses at least one month apart if born after 1956.
  • Meningitis vaccine MCV4 (Menactra) for persons 11-18 years and persons 19-55 years at increased risk for meningococcal disease, e.g. college freshman living in dormitories. For more information about meningococcal meningitis, high-risk groups, the vaccine and vaccine availability at UHS, please see Meningococcal Meningitis in the College Population.
  • Tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Td/Tdap). Following a complete primary series, a booster every 10 years. Tdap (Adacel) should replace a single dose of Td for adults who have not previously received Tdap.
  • Varicella (chickenpox). Two doses one month apart if you never had chicken pox or if a blood test does not show immunity.

All of these immunizations (and more) are available at the Tang Center.

Prescription
medications
Bring enough of your ongoing medications for the first month of school, and bring a copy of the prescription with you. Plan ahead for refills.
TB screening Consider getting a baseline TB skin test if you come from an endemic area.

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