UCLA’s Fall Semester Begins, and the College Announces UC Requirements

Students Must Complete These Tasks To Remain On Campus and In College

By Dolores Quintana

With the new fall semester beginning at UCLA, UCLA has announced The University of California (UC) Immunization requirements for all students. The UC system has enacted a comprehensive immunization policy for all newly admitted incoming students, applicable to undergraduates, graduates, transfers, and re-admits who plan to reside, study, or visit campus. This policy aims to safeguard the health and well-being of the UC community. Students are required to provide proof of vaccination or immunity to several contagious diseases, including measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), pertussis (whooping cough), varicella (chickenpox), and tuberculosis (TB) screening.

For students aged 21 and younger, the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (ACWY) is also mandated. Compliance with these immunization requirements is essential prior to entering and enrolling at any UC campus.

Tuberculosis Screening: Newly admitted incoming students must undergo a tuberculosis risk assessment by completing the TB screening questionnaire on the Ashe Patient Portal. Those who answer “yes” to any questions must furnish documentation of either skin or blood testing for TB conducted within six months before joining UC. Students with a prior positive TB test are obligated to provide documentation of a chest x-ray taken within the same six-month period. All students must submit their immunization records electronically through the Ashe Center Patient Portal, with the exception of those granted program-specific exemptions. The deadline for meeting these requirements, except for flu and COVID, is October 1, 2023. The deadlines for flu and COVID vaccination compliance are extended until December 1, 2023.

COVID-19 Vaccination: To fulfill COVID-19 vaccination requirements, students must either submit documentation of receiving the COVID-19 bivalent vaccine or formally decline the vaccine through The Ashe Center Patient Portal’s Medical Clearances section.

Exemptions: UC allows exemptions to immunization requirements solely based on medical conditions that contraindicate vaccination. (See Medical Exception Request for further information.)

Penalties for Noncompliance: Failure to adhere to these immunization requirements will result in an enrollment hold, prohibiting students from adding/dropping courses or registering for classes.
Students are strongly urged to prioritize compliance with these immunizations. To ensure compliance with UC’s immunization requirements, follow these steps:

1. Submit your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR/SLR).
2. Wait for two business days after submitting your SIR/SLR before accessing the Ashe Patient Portal.
3. Gather all necessary information for online requirements completion.
4. Visit the UCLA Immunization Requirements website and log in to The Ashe Center Patient Portal.
5. On the Home page, click “Complete My Immunization Requirement.”
6. Enter requested dates and immunization information.
7. Upload images or PDF files of your immunization records, laboratory tests, and/or chest x-rays by selecting the Immunization Document Upload tab.
8. Monitor your compliance status via The Ashe Center Patient Portal by selecting Medical Clearance.