Immunization FAQs
- Who needs proof of immunization?
- Why is this required?
- What do I have to do?
- What’s the deadline?
- Are all immunization schedules acceptable?
- What if I don’t have all my immunizations?
- Is anyone exempt?
- I’ve been a student here before. Do I have to fill out the form again?
Who needs proof of immunization?
Full-time students, full- and part-time international students and part-time students in health sciences programs are required to submit proof of immunization. Students taking five or more credits in a semester are considered full-time. Continuing Education students and certain off-campus majors may not be required to submit records. If you’re unsure what’s required, call the NSIP, (413) 577-5275.
Why is this required?
Massachusetts law requires college students to be immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella and hepatitis B. Full-time residential students must be immunized against meningitis or complete a waiver; full- and part-time non-residential students, and part-time residential students, are exempt from this requirement. Schools must collect and maintain the information, which can be inspected by the state Department of Health and the local health board.
What do I have to do?
There are three ways to meet the requirements; all start with the Massachusetts State Required Immunization History form:
Complete the form, in English, and have it signed by a physician, high school nurse or other health care provider;
or
Complete the Student Info section of form and attach your school immunization record or military immunization record;
or
Complete the Student Info section of the form and attach a copy of your medical record containing immunization information (including dates).
If you’ve been a full-time student at another college, ask your former school to forward a copy of the records you submitted for your first semester there.
Deliver, fax or mail the materials to the NSIP.
What’s the deadline?
The immunization form should be submitted before your first semester on campus. If you haven't turned it in by the end of the Add/Drop period, a hold will be placed on your record, preventing you from registering for classes.
Are all immunization schedules acceptable?
No. The accelerated dosage schedule for Hepatitis B does not meet Massachusetts' school immunization requirements. Dose 2 of the vacccine must be given at least 1 month after the first dose. Dose 3 must be given at least 2 months after the second dose and four months after the first. Review the immunization form carefully for dosing requirements.
What if I don’t have all my immunizations?
It’s best to complete your immunizations and submit records to the NSIP before coming to school. If you need immunizations or blood tests after you arrive, they're available at UHS. Your insurance plan will be billed for these costs; have your insurance information available when you come to UHS. If your plan requires you to obtain these services from your primary care provider (PCP), you must either transfer your PCP designation to a UHS provider or obtain a referral from your home PCP to authorize services at UHS.
Is anyone exempt?
Students may seek exemption for medical or religious reasons. Age is not a qualification for exemption. Medical exemption requests must be accompanied by documentation from a health care provider stating that the immunization is medically contraindicated. Religious exemption requests must be accompanied by a signed statement that immunizations are contrary to the student’s sincere religious beliefs. Copies of paperwork documenting religious affiliation and history from previous schools are also acceptable. Students may be exempt from the meningitis vaccination requirement, depending on whether they live on- or off-campus.
