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Health & Immunization Checklists

Starting your new adventure as a Dalhousie student? 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 Dalhousie University! 

The Immunization Checklist highlights 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 Checklist advises 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. 
  • Student health insurance
    • Learn more about the DSU Health and Dental Plan / International Student Health Plan and the opt in/out deadline. Download 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 concerns 
    • Book with a nurse or doctor 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. You 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. 
  • Ensure your immunizations are up to date 
    • 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. You can also keep track of your vaccination records with the CANImmunize app found at canimmunize.ca.
  • Discover the health services we offer 
    • 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 mental health supports that are available to you, including same-day counselling, Good2Talk, 211, Peer Support, Tranquility, and more. 
  • Accessibility and accommodation 
    • If you have accessibility or accommodation requirements, reach out to the Student Accessibility Centre for support and resources.
  • Emergency contacts
    • Set up your emergency contact information on Dal Online. 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. 
  • Tuberculosis (TB) testing 
    • Students entering into a health profession program at Dalhousie are required to have Tuberculosis testing done. You can book an appointment 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. 
  • Stay active 
  • New student information 
    • If you are a new student, watch our New to Dal videos available on Brightspace. 

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 Dalhousie University to ensure your health is protected. You should also request a copy of your vaccine records to bring with you to Dalhousie. Vaccine records are usually obtained through your primary care provider or your local Public Health office. 

Recommended immunization checklist: 

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

The information above is provided by the Canadian Immunizations Guide and Nova Scotia Public Health Department. 

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

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.

Visit Nova Scotia Public Health or download the CANImmunize 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 the DSU Health Plan office or your insurance provider to learn more.