Immunization Recommendations

All students enrolled in degree programs at the University of California (UC) campuses are required to provide information about their risk for tuberculosis (TB) and their completion of certain vaccines before they can attend classes. 

Although you will not be enrolled in a degree program, we strongly urge you to get all of the immunizations before your arrival (if your program lasts for two or more months). For more detailed information, please read the University of California Immunization Recommendations.

If you are at a higher risk for TB infection, you should undergo either skin or blood testing for TB infection before your arrival and should have been tested within the past 12 months.

Higher risk includes extended travel to, or born in the following countries: South and Central America, Africa, China, Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East; OR a prior positive TB test; OR current or planned immunosuppression; OR work or volunteering in healthcare or correctional facilities; OR exposure to someone with active TB disease.

The following list of immunizations are not required for admission or registration at UCSB Professional and Continuing Education, but we strongly recommend that you check your records to be sure that you have had each of the following vaccine:

  • Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) – a "booster" vaccine every 10 years for adults
  • MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) - two doses
  • Varicella (chicken pox) - two doses
  • Meningococcal Conjugate (MCV4) - one dose after age 16 years old

Getting immunizations in your country before you arrive is best, but you may arrange a medical appointment for immunizations and a TB screening after your arrival in Santa Barbara if you are unable to complete the recommended tasks prior to your departure. Your medical insurance through UCSB Professional and Continuing Education will cover the cost of select immunizations and a TB screening.

Your vaccine dates and TB screening information can be submitted to UCSB through the confidential Student Health "Gateway" e-mail system using your UCSB Net ID on the Student Health website.  

UCSB also strongly recommends the following immunizations:

  • Hepatitis A vaccine
  • Hepatitis B vaccine
  • Human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine
  • Influenza vaccine
  • Poliovirus vaccine (Polio)
  • Meningococcal serogroup B vaccine

For any questions about vaccines and recommended immunizations, please contact UCSB Student Health by e-mail at shsentranceimmunizations@sa.ucsb.edu.