Vaccines help your immune system prevent serious illnesses and reduce the spread of infectious diseases on campus.
By training your immune system to recognize and fight harmful viruses or bacteria before you are exposed, vaccines lower your risk of severe infection, hospitalization, and long-term health complications. They also reduce the likelihood of transmitting illnesses to classmates, instructors, and staff, including individuals who may be more vulnerable because of age, medical conditions, or weakened immune systems. High vaccination rates contribute to a healthier campus environment by helping prevent outbreaks, minimizing disruptions to learning, and supporting the overall well-being of the university community.
Recommended Vaccines for University Students
Ensure you have the following before coming to campus:
|
Vaccine |
Recommended Schedule |
|
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) |
2 doses |
|
Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) |
Childhood series + booster every 10 years |
|
Polio |
Complete childhood series |
|
Hepatitis B |
Full vaccine series |
|
Meningococcal Vaccine |
Strongly recommended for students in residence and shared living spaces |
|
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) |
Recommended for all genders up to age 45 |
|
Influenza (Flu Shot) |
Annually |
|
COVID-19 |
Stay up to date with current recommendations |
Key Vaccines Explained
Influenza (Flu)
- Highly contagious respiratory virus
- Spread by coughing, sneezing, and close contact
- Annual vaccination helps prevent illness that can impact classes and exams
Hepatitis A
- Spread through contaminated food and water
- Important for travellers
Hepatitis B
- Spread through blood and body fluids
- Preventable with vaccination
HPV
- Common virus spread through skin-to-skin sexual contact
- Can cause genital warts and several cancers
- Vaccination protects all genders
Meningococcal Disease
- Rare but severe infection affecting the brain and spinal cord
- Higher risk in residence settings, social gatherings, and shared living environments
- Vaccination is strongly recommended for post-secondary students
Varicella (Chickenpox)
- Ensure immunity if you've never had chickenpox or a vaccination
- Blood testing can confirm immunity
Tdap
Protects against:
- Tetanus (muscle spasms and serious infection from wounds)
- Diphtheria (serious throat infection)
- Pertussis (Whooping Cough) (severe coughing illness)
- Booster needed every 10 years.
Tuberculosis (TB)
- Not routinely vaccinated in Canada
- Testing may be required for healthcare placements, volunteering, or international travel
Living in Campus Housing or shared spaces?
Sharing spaces and interacting closely with other students, which can increase the spread of infectious diseases. Staying up to date on recommended vaccinations helps protect your health, reduces the risk of outbreaks in residence communities, and supports a safe and healthy living environment for everyone.
Consider reviewing:
- Meningococcal vaccination status
- Annual flu shot
- COVID-19 boosters when eligible
Studying abroad or traveling internationally to study at Waterloo?
Traveling internationally or studying in a new country may expose you to diseases that are uncommon in your home region or destination. Being vaccinated according to travel and local public health recommendations helps protect you from vaccine-preventable diseases, reduces the risk of bringing infections across borders, and supports a healthy academic experience while abroad or in Canada.
Book a travel health appointment 6–8 weeks before departure to discuss:
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid
- Yellow Fever (if required)
- Destination-specific vaccines
Are you in healthcare, nursing, pharmacy or a co-op student?
Students completing clinical placements, healthcare training, or co-op work may be exposed to infectious diseases in healthcare, community, or workplace settings. Staying up to date on required and recommended vaccinations helps protect you, your patients or clients, your colleagues, and the communities you serve while meeting placement and workplace immunization requirements.
Many placements require proof of:
- MMR immunity
- Hepatitis B immunity
- Varicella immunity
- Tuberculosis screening
- Tdap vaccination
Keep Digital Records
Store immunization records:
- In your phone
- Through your family doctor
- On provincial health portals when available
This can save time for placements, travel, residence requirements, and future employment.
Important Health Documents
- Provincial Health card or UHIP number
- Health insurance information
- Immunization records
- Prescription information
- Allergy information
- Emergency contacts
- Family doctor's contact information
Ultimate University Health Checklist for Self-care
-
Thermometer
-
First aid kit
-
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen
-
Allergy medication
-
Cold and flu supplies
-
Hand sanitizer
-
Sunscreen
-
Condoms/safer sex supplies
-
Water bottle
Have More Questions?
For immunization questions, contact Health Services at 519‑888‑4096. Health Services also has a travel clinic for students travelling abroad. Be sure to book early. Vaccination schedules for international travel can take several months to complete.