Mills College does not require entering students to complete a physical exam or to provide proof of specific vaccination coverage, except concerning the COVID-19 vaccination. But it is a good idea to get a health check-up before starting college (especially for students of traditional college age) and to have access to your health records and any vaccination records. We recommend that all students—and particularly those of traditional college age—be current on all vaccinations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. In particular, we encourage residential students to be vaccinated against meningococcal disease. We encourage all students to get an annual flu vaccination; we hold flu vaccine clinics in October each year to enhance access to this important illness prevention strategy.
For the spring 2022 semester, Mills College requires that all employees and students must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and receive a booster shot as soon as they are eligible to mitigate the risk of virus transmission. For detailed information, visit the College's COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines page. Employees should email benefits@mills.edu for assistance. Students should email deanofstudents@mills.edu for assistance.
Entering students are encouraged to complete the recommended vaccinations (except for seasonal flu vaccine) before starting their studies at Mills. If you wait until you arrive at Mills to receive recommended vaccinations, you have several options. The Student Health Center on campus opens the Monday before classes begin and offers immunizations and tuberculosis (TB) screening, among other services. Most office visits are free. Some fees may apply for immunizations, procedures, and labs (see more information about the Student Health Center). Otherwise, students may find immunizations and other services at sliding-fee scale at public health and community health centers in Alameda County.
Although Mills has no requirements for students regarding immunization other than the COVID-19 vaccination, the California Department of Public Health recommends these vaccinations (PDF) by age 18 for college students:
Annual Flu Vaccine: Mills College also recommends that students get immunized each year for seasonal flu and H1N1—a combined vaccine. Mills offers on-campus flu shot clinics in October each year. Find out more about prevention and management of the flu.
TB Screening: TB skin tests are done by the nurse at the Student Health Center. You may walk in to CPM 117 for a visit between 9:00 am–1:00 pm and 2:00 pm–5:00 pm on weekdays. You must return 48 hours later to have the skin test read by the nurse. Therefore, do not drop by for a TB skin test or attempt to schedule one on a Thursday or Friday since the Student Health Center is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Please note that the TB skin test and follow-up visit to read the test are services offered only to students. Mills staff and faculty members who require this service must utilize their personal physician, health center, or a public health clinic in the community.