Medical Preparation
All students are required to complete a health clearance process and vaccines should be discussed while meeting with a health care professional. Some countries require foreign visitors to carry an International Certificate of Vaccination (aka Yellow Card) or other proof that they have had certain inoculations or medical tests before entering or transiting their country. Therefore, International Programs strongly recommends students carry an International Certificate of Vaccination with them to their program location. Students can consult with Pepperdine's Student Health Center (extension 4316, option 3) and they provide select immunizations to students from low to no cost. As additional resources, students can review the US Department of State's country specific information and refer to the CDC website for a list of appropriate immunizations.
If you have pre-existing medical problems you should carry a letter from the attending physician, describing the medical condition and any prescription medications, including the generic name of prescribed drugs. Any medications you carry overseas should be left in their original containers and be clearly labeled. Some U.S. prescription medications are illegal in foreign countries. Whenever possible, carry enough medication to last your entire time abroad.
Please review the CDC destination guide to understand basic immunization and medication information by country. Look at all destinations you are planning to apply to as well.
If the CDC destination guide does not speak to your specific medication(s), please email Pepperdine's trusted travel health and safety partner (International SOS) at philadelphia@internationalsos.com or 1-215-942-8226 and ask your questions including the following:
- Can medication(s) be obtained in countries I am traveling to?
- What is needed to transport these medications overseas (i.e., prescription information, letter from doctor, etc.)?
- Can medication be shipped from my home country to my host country?
- If not legal or available in countries I am traveling to, what are your suggestions on other solutions?
All students are required to complete a travel health clearance appointment between 45 and 90 days before departure to receive medical advice and a clearance to ensure that students are physically and mentally prepared for the journey ahead. Students will receive instructions via email closer to their submisson window. Once the submission window begins, students can refer to the "Health Clearance Instructions" in ViaTRM.
Students can make an appointment with their primary health care provider who knows your health needs or the Pepperdine Student Health Center (free for office visits and low cost immunizations).
Health Form FAQ:
Health Clearance Forms are valid for 365 days from the date the doctor signed them, and must be valid for the entirety of your time abroad. If you think your previous health form is still valid, please contact us to confirm.
See previous question. Your health form must cover you for the entire time you are abroad. Contact us if you have additional questions about this.
We will process Health Forms on a rolling basis and will contact you if there are any issues with your submission.
No. We only accept Health Clearance Forms securely submitted in ViaTRM.
We encourage all students to call our international travel concierge service, International SOS, before going abroad. It's free! Just call 1-215-942-8226.