Frequently Asked Questions
When is my Health History Record due?
The deadline for all students for Fall Semester is July 15 (December 1 for Spring Semester International Students; January 9 for Spring Transfer Students). Mail the completed form IN ITS ENTIRETY to the SHC. You will be notified via email of any deficiencies. Faxes will not be accepted. You may request records from other sources (undergrad schools, doctors’ offices, secondary schools, etc.) be faxed directly to you so you can determine what additional information is needed to meet the University’s entrance requirements).
What if I need to speak with someone at the Student Health Center?
The Student Health Center is closed to clinical care during summer and winter breaks. However, administrative staff work part-time and will contact you if you leave a voice mail message at (804) 289-8064 or e-mail us at healthcenter@richmond.edu.
What if I fail to submit my Health History Record as required?
Undergraduate students not compliant with the medical requirements for entrance to the University will have a hold placed on their student account immediately after the July 15 deadline. This will block registration activity as well as block access to residence halls. Graduate students not compliant with medical requirements for entrance to UR will have a hold placed on their student account immediately after the July 15th deadline. Law students will have their network accounts locked on Tuesday of the first week of classes. Students not in compliance with TB screening and immunization requirements for entrance to UR are subject to a $100 fine. Continued non-compliance may result in being removed from campus housing, barred from classes, and possible deportation.
What if I an unable to obtain/locate my vaccination records indicating the date I received the required immunizations?
If you are unable to provide proof of vaccination through documented records, you may: 1) be re-immunized; or 2) prove immunity by having your physician draw a blood titer for all missing vaccinations.
What should I do if my physician's office is unable to furnish (1) Hepatitis B and/or (2) meningitis vaccine?
Contact your physician’s office in advance of your appointment so they may order the vaccine. Other resources include city and county health departments, urgent care and prompt care facilities, and travel clinics. If you still cannot make arrangements, sign the waiver so you can complete your Health History Record for admission to the University by July 15. It is mandatory that you have the vaccine (all three shots in the case of Hepatitis B) or submit the signed waiver. Check the box on the waiver form if you wish to receive the vaccine at the University and sign the waiver. The SHC will provide meningitis and hepatitis B vaccinations the week you arrive on campus. It is best, however, to arrive on campus fully vaccinated.
What if I complete my Health History Record, but have an appointment later in the summer to receive the meningitis vaccine? Or the Hepatitis B vaccines?
In order to clear your Health History Records for admission to the University, sign the wavier and send in the forms. When you receive the vaccine, mail that documentation to us. We will replace the signed waiver with the vaccine information.
I am an international student and have been immunized for meningitis, but my vaccine only protects me against serogroup C. Is this sufficient?
No, the vaccine administered in the United States protects you from serogroups A, C, Y and W-135. We recommend that you be re-immunized. If you choose not to be re-immunized with A, C, Y, W-135 vaccine, you must sign the vaccine waiver in order to complete your records.
In filling out the Tuberculosis Risk Assessment section of the forms with my health care provider, the box was checked "No - not a member of a high risk group." Do I still need a tuberculin skin test?
No, unless your health care provider recommends it, you do not have to undergo the tuberculin skin test.
I had a BCG shot for tuberculosis as a child. What should I do about the tuberculin skin test?
A history of BCG vaccination does not preclude testing. Carefully review the criteria for required Tuberculosis Screening in the Health History Record with your health care provider and follow the instructions.
I had my tuberculin skin test and the date is on my Health History Record. Does that meet the requirement?
No, you must have the tuberculin skin test read by a health care provider and be certain they record the results in millimeters of induration. (Neither a “-” negative symbol nor “neg” will be accepted; forms will be returned to you.)
What should I do if I had a physical within the past year and the insurance company will not pay for another one yet?
As long as the physical was not more than one year ago, you can attach the information to the Health History Record. You will still need to see a health care provider to complete the immunization and TB screening requirements. You may send pages 1-3 now, if complete, and send the physical form later when performed.
I am an intercollegiate athlete. Is there anything else I need to do?
Yes. The SHC must receive your original Health History Record. You must sign the "Required of NCAA athletes only" box on page 4. This allows the SHC to provide a copy to the Athletic Training Room for their records.
How do I apply for disability accommodation services, if needed?
New students apply for disability accommodation(s) after admission into the University. Soon after the acceptance notification, you will receive a mailing from the Vice President for Student Development, which includes a form titled "Application for Disability Accommodation." Look for it in late April and follow the directions. This application must be returned with appropriate documentation by June 15 in order for the student to be efffectively accommodated for the following fall term. Receipt of the completed application form (along with supporting materials) by the Office of the Vice President for Student Development will serve to initiate the procedure for accommodation.
