**Students coming to the University of Richmond from outside the US or Canada will be required to have their PPD test done at the Student Health Center. Because testing methods vary internationally, this is the only way to ensure standardization of testing. Please be assured this is the least expensive and most efficient method for students to be properly evaluated. The TB skin test is $15.00 at the Student Health Center. If a student has a positive TB skin test, a chest x-ray is required at the Health Department in downtown Richmond, in addition to a risk assessment at the Health Department. If a student has a positive TB skin test and a negative chest x-ray, INH treatment will be recommended for 9 months. If a student tests positive for both the TB skin test and the chest x-ray, TB preventative medicine will be required, but you will still be allowed to register at the University. Because TB would be considered a pre-existing condition, INH treatment is not covered under the mandatory international student health insurance plan administered by the University UNLESS the student has been on the plan for 12 months or more, or if there has been no lapse in coverage of more than 63 days between the end date of the student’s prior health insurance policy and the beginning date of the University’s mandatory insurance policy, which starts July 1st. After meeting the $50 deductible, benefits for this treatment will be paid at 100%. The cost for the TB preventative medicine is between $5.00-15.00/month.

More information about TB rates in the U.S. can be found on the Center for Disease Control’s website at http://www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media/pressrel/fs040318.htm

For other immunizations besides TB, it is advisable that you bring with you an immunization record translated into English. If this is not done prior to your arrival to the U.S., the appropriate immunizations will be administered at your own expense. Please be advised that visits to the doctor for routine immunizations, examinations and x-rays are not covered by most U.S. health insurance companies. These services are very expensive, therefore, it is highly recommended that you get all of the above-mentioned immunizations and tests before you come to the United States.

Past experience has shown that some physicians outside of the United States do not understand or are unwilling to administer the above tests and vaccinations. If this is the case, find another physician. These vaccines and tests are required by law and therefore cannot be waived for any student.