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Health & Immunization Checklists

Starting your new adventure as a ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøstudent? Or maybe you're returning and want to ensure you're on top of everything health-related? Our Health and Immunization Checklists are great resources to review prior to, and during, your studies at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø!Ìý

TheÌýImmunization ChecklistÌýhighlights recommended immunizations to consider as a university student. The recommendations are in accordance with the Canadian Immunizations Guide and Nova Scotia Public Health Department.

The Health ChecklistÌýadvises on general health-related items to consider before and after you arrive at Dalhousie. Completing these steps will help you navigate and access the wide range of health services on our campuses.

Health Checklist

  • Find the health clinic closest to you
    • Familiarize yourself with clinic locations and contact information for Halifax and/or Truro.Ìý
  • Student health insurance
    • Learn more about the DSU Health and Dental Plan / International Student Health PlanÌýand the opt in/out deadline.ÌýDownload your DSU Health Insurance Card through StudentVIP if you have not opted out of this coverage. Be sure to review the coverage provided by your health plan before arriving at Dalhousie.
  • Review prescriptions and/or care needs for chronic illness or ongoing medical concernsÌý
    • for discussion of chronic or ongoing medical issues / review your prescriptions and which ones need to be transferred. Prescriptions and lab requisitions are not transferrable between provinces and countries, and you will need to obtain new prescriptions if you are arriving from out-of-province.ÌýYou can also discuss medical concerns and needs if you have a chronic illness or fall into a higher-risk population. If you are an international student and have a pre-existing medical condition including pregnancy, contact the DSU Health Plan Office prior to arrival to discuss your coverage eligibility.Ìý
  • Ensure your immunizations are up to dateÌý
    • Review the Immunization Checklist (below) for Nova Scotia and book an appointment with a nurse or doctor to discuss vaccinations you may need. You should bring your vaccine records with you to this appointment.ÌýYou can also keep track of your vaccination records with the CANImmunize app found at .
  • Discover the health services we offerÌý
    • There are many opportunities to take care of your health, such as your annual flu shot, STI testing, health and wellness workshops, and more.  Get to know the that are available to you, including same-day counselling, Good2Talk, 211, Peer Support, Tranquility, and more.Ìý
  • Accessibility and accommodationÌý
    • If you have accessibility or accommodation requirements, reach out to the Student Accessibility Centre for
  • Emergency contacts
    • Set up your emergency contact information on . An emergency contact is someone who will make health decisions for you, or inform medical professionals of your health condition, if you are unable to.
  • ADHD medication
    • If you have ADHD, obtain a copy of your psychoeducational assessment or a letter from your doctor in advance of your arrival to Dalhousie. In Nova Scotia, ADHD medication(s) is a controlled substance and out of province prescriptions are not transferrable to a Nova Scotia pharmacy. For our doctors to be able to continue to prescribe your ADHD medication and provide continuity of care, we need your psychoeducational assessment or a letter from your doctor on file.Ìý
  • Tuberculosis (TB) testingÌý
    • Students entering into a health profession program at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøare required to have Tuberculosis testing done. You can at the Student Health & Wellness Centre in Halifax for this testing. Students on the Truro Campus who require TB testing can book an appointment with a nurse at the Student Health & Wellness Centre in Truro for a referral.Ìý
  • Stay activeÌý
    • Learn more about the available on the Halifax and Truro Campuses.
  • New student informationÌý
    • If you are a new student, watch our New to Dal videos available on Brightspace.Ìý
  • Stay connected and up to dateÌý
    • Follow , , and on Instagram.

Immunization Checklist

Students are strongly encouraged to review your immunizations, using the chart below, with your primary care provider (e.g., doctor, nurse, etc.) prior to coming to ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø to ensure your health is protected.ÌýYou should also request a copy of your vaccine records to bring with you to Dalhousie.ÌýVaccine records are usually obtained through your primary care provider or your local Public Health office.Ìý

Recommended immunization checklist:Ìý

  • COVID-19
  • Hepatitis B
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV) (Gardasil or Gardasil 9)
  • Influenza (Flu shot)Ìý
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella & Varicella (MMRV)
  • Meningococcal A, C, Y, W
  • Meningococcal B
    • Click here to learn more about Meningitis B symptoms, treatment, and prevention.ÌýÌý ÌýÌý
  • Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap)

The information above is provided by theÌýÌýand Nova Scotia Public Health Department.Ìý

 If you would like to discuss or receive vaccines at Dalhousie, pleaseÌýbook an appointmentÌýat the Student Health & Wellness Centre in Halifax or Truro and bring your vaccine records.Ìý

There may be additional vaccines that are recommended based on your personal health status (e.g. chronic disease, transplant recipient, high risk populations, travel plans, etc.). Some academic programs also require documentation of specific immunizations. Students in these programs should follow the immunization requirements specified by their program.

³Õ¾±²õ¾±³Ù  or download the  app for additional information including vaccine schedules. 

Not all vaccines are publicly funded and there will be variation in which vaccinations are publicly funded in each province/territory/country. There may be a cost for some vaccines not covered by your insurance plan. Check with theÌýÌýor your insurance provider to learn more.