Under the Massachusetts General Law, 105 CMR 220.600, in order to be registered at an institution of higher learning, every (1) full-time (12 credits or more) undergraduate or graduate student 30 years of age and (2) every full-time or part-time undergraduate or graduate student in a health science program who is in contact with patients, must present a physician's certificate that such student has received the following immunizations:
Requirements apply to all students including individuals from another country attending or visiting classes or educational programs as part of an academic visitation or exchange program. Requirements apply to all students, even if over 18 years of age.
College (Postsecondary Institutions)**†
Requirements apply to all full-time undergraduate and graduate students under 30 years of age and all full- and part-time health science students. Meningococcal requirements apply to the group specified in the table below.
|
Tdap |
1 dose; and history of a DTaP primary series or age-appropriate catch-up vaccination. Tdap given at ≥7 years may be counted, but a dose at age 11-12 is recommended if Tdap was given earlier as part of a catch-up schedule. Td or Tdap should be given if it has been ≥10 years since Tdap |
|
Hepatitis B |
3 doses; laboratory evidence of immunity acceptable; 2 doses of Heplisav-B given on or after 18 years of age are acceptable |
|
MMR |
2 doses; first dose must be given on or after the 1st birthday and second dose must be given ≥28 days after first dose; laboratory evidence of immunity acceptable. Birth in the U.S. before 1957 acceptable only for non-health science students |
|
Varicella |
2 doses; first dose must be given on or after the 1st birthday and second dose must be given ≥28 days after first dose; a reliable history of chickenpox* or laboratory evidence of immunity acceptable. Birth in the U.S. before 1980 acceptable only for non-health science students |
|
Meningococcal |
1 dose; 1 dose MenACWY (formerly MCV4) required for all full-time students 21 years of age or younger. The dose of MenACWY vaccine must have been received on or after the student’s 16th birthday. Doses received at younger ages do not count towards this requirement. Students may decline MenACWY vaccine after they have read and signed the MDPH Meningococcal Information and Waiver Form provided by their institution. Meningococcal B vaccine is not required and does not meet this requirement |
§ Address questions about enforcement with your legal counsel. School requirements are enforced at the local level.
** The immunization requirements apply to all students who attend any classes or activities on campus, even once. If all instruction and activities occur through distance modalities and the student will never be on campus in person, the requirements would not apply. Should a student physically return to campus, they would need to comply with this requirement
†Medical exemptions (statement from a physician stating that a vaccine is medically contraindicated for a student) must be renewed annually at the start of the school year and religious exemptions (statement from a student, or parent/guardian if the student is <18 years of age, stating that a vaccine is against sincerely held religious beliefs) should be renewed annually at the start of the school year.
*A reliable history of chickenpox includes a diagnosis of chickenpox, or interpretation of parent/guardian description of chickenpox, by a physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or designee.
These requirements of the Massachusetts General Law 105 CMR 220.600, shall not apply where:
- the student provides written documentation that he or she meets the standards for medical or religious exemption set forth in M.G.L.c.76, §15C;
- the student provides appropriate documentation, including a copy of a school immunization record, indicating receipt of the required immunizations; or
- in the case of measles, mumps, rubella, varicella and hepatitis B, the student presents laboratory evidence of immunity.
Students may be registered on the condition that the required immunizations be obtained within 10 days of registration.
Failure to provide the required immunization records may prevent you from pre-registering for classes.
Note:
- The student health insurance plan covers immunizations. Check your policy for details.
- A blood test (called a titre) can be used as proof of immunity to the required immunizations. Most insurances do not cover the cost of these lab tests.
* All students matriculated into health programs (Dental Hygiene, Diagnostic Technology, Medical Assisting, Medical Interpreter, Nursing, Paramedic, Tri-level Nurse Aide) have specific health and immunization requirements and may have additional requirements related to clinical placements.
For additional information, Immunization FAQ, and downloadable forms, go to Student Immunization Records.