Revaxis Rejected? Why US Universities Want Tdap (and How to Fix It in London)
October 13, 2026
6 minute read
You have filled in your immunisation form, uploaded your records, and the university has come back with a short reply: your Revaxis does not meet the Tdap requirement. It is one of the most common problems UK students hit before starting at a US university, and it has a quick fix. This guide explains why it happens, what US universities ask for, and how a single Repevax dose solves it. It sits alongside our whooping cough vaccine guide.
Why your UK vaccinations do not count
It comes down to the UK schedule. Children in the UK have a pre-school booster at around three years old that does contain pertussis, but it is given well before the age US universities count from. Then at around 14, teenagers have the “3-in-1” school booster, which is Revaxis: tetanus, diphtheria and polio, with no pertussis.
So most UK students arrive with plenty of tetanus cover but no pertussis dose after the age of 10, which is exactly what the Tdap requirement is looking for. Nothing has gone wrong with your vaccinations; the two countries simply use different boosters.
What US universities ask for
Every university sets its own wording, often based on its state’s rules, but the pattern is similar:
- A Tdap dose after childhood. UC Berkeley, for example, asks for one dose of Tdap given on or after your 11th birthday, and accepts a dose from age 10 in line with US CDC guidance.
- A recent tetanus-containing dose. Many also want a tetanus-containing dose within the last ten years. Berkeley accepts Td for this part, but the Tdap dose is still needed on top.
- A full history. Some, such as the University of Illinois, ask for the dates of three or more diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis doses, with one of them a Tdap and the most recent within ten years. Tetanus-only vaccine and antibody tests are not accepted there.
- A clinician’s signature. Forms usually need to be completed and signed by a licensed healthcare provider, or accompanied by official records.
Read your own university’s form carefully, because the details vary from one institution to the next.
| Vaccine | Contains pertussis? | Meets a Tdap requirement? |
|---|---|---|
| Revaxis (UK teenage booster) | No | No |
| Repevax (Tdap with polio) | Yes | Yes, named on US accepted lists |
| Boostrix (Tdap) | Yes | Yes |
| Adacel (Tdap) | Yes | Yes |
I only had Revaxis recently. Can I have Repevax now?
Usually, yes. US guidance from the CDC is that a Tdap dose can be given at any interval after a previous tetanus or diphtheria vaccine, so a recent Revaxis does not normally mean you have to wait. We will check your dates at the appointment and confirm it is right for you.
Getting the paperwork right
The vaccine is the quick part; the form is where delays happen. A few things that help:
- Get your full history first. Dig out your vaccination record before you come in, such as your red book or a copy of your medical records. Some universities want the dates of every tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis dose, not just the latest.
- Bring the university’s own form. We will sign and stamp it to confirm the Tdap dose we have given, with the vaccine name, date and batch number, and give you a dated certificate as well.
- Allow time for processing. Most universities use an online health portal, and some take several weeks to process uploads, so do not leave it until the week before term.
How much does it cost?
Repevax is £65 for the single dose, with the consultation and your dated record included. It also renews your tetanus, diphtheria and polio protection. There is more detail in our Repevax vaccination guide.
Booking tip: choose the whooping cough (Repevax) appointment. Our separate “DTP” vaccine is Revaxis (diphtheria, tetanus and polio), which has no pertussis, so it will not meet a Tdap requirement.
Book your Repevax appointment →
Frequently asked questions
Why was my Revaxis rejected?
Revaxis has no pertussis component, so it is not a Tdap vaccine. US universities specifically want a dose that protects against pertussis.
Will my university accept Repevax?
Repevax is a Tdap vaccine with polio added, and it is named on US accepted lists, including the Illinois state requirements. Most universities accept it, but check your own form, and if it names specific brands, tell us before you book.
I had Revaxis a few weeks ago. Is it too soon?
Usually not. US CDC guidance allows Tdap at any interval after a tetanus or diphtheria vaccine. We will check your dates at the appointment.
Does a Tdap I had before age 10 count?
Usually not. Universities generally count a Tdap given from age 10 or 11 onwards, which is why the UK pre-school booster does not help.
Do you sign US university immunisation forms?
Yes. Bring the form and we will sign and stamp it to confirm the Tdap dose we have given, and give you a dated certificate with the vaccine name, date and batch number.
Can I have it the same day?
Same-day appointments are often available. Book online or call 0208 567 0982.
If your university has rejected your Revaxis, one appointment usually fixes it. Moving abroad for work instead? See our guide to whooping cough vaccination for an Australia work visa, or read our full guide to whooping cough vaccination for visas, work and study abroad.
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