Welcome to Northeastern and congratulations! Please review the information below to assist you in managing your health needs and responsibilities as a Northeastern student.
Health reports must be submitted via email 617-373-2601 (fax) or email immunizations@northeastern.edu. Paper reports are not accepted.
Northeastern University also requires a full COVID-19 vaccination series and a booster dose. Upload proof of the COVID-19 vaccines to vaccine.northeastern.edu.
Massachusetts law requires students to provide documentation of immunity to a number of infectious illnesses. The first page of the University Health Report includes demographic information and consent to be treated at UHCS. The second page needs to be completed and signed by a licensed clinician.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a question about the University Health Report? Check out our frequently asked questions as a first step.
What immunizations do I need?
Hep B – Hepatitis B
Tdap – Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis
MMR – Measles, mumps and rubella
Varicella – Chickenpox
Meningitis
Influenza
– A complete list of required immunizations and their schedules is found on the second page of the University Health Report.
– These immunizations help protect against measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (tdap), hepatitis B, varicella/chicken pox, meningitis and influenza 2020-2021.
– All full time and part time students at Northeastern University are required to submit documentation of immunizations. UHCS works closely with both the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Boston Public Health Commission to ensure that you have complied with this mandate. If UHCS does not receive your complete immunization record, you are at risk of being held out of classes and university activities.
The university message regarding proof of COVID-19 vaccination and booster, along with instructions on how to submit can be found here.
Can my parents confirm that I had the vaccines?
No. Massachusetts Department of Public Health requires that UHCS receive the health form and immunizations signed by your health care provider.
What should I do if I can’t access my immunization records?
You may have a blood test called antibody titer that shows whether you are already immune to measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and Hepatitis B. You will need to get a tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis (Tdap) booster. This antibody titer tests can be done at your local health care provider office. Titers may be drawn at UHCS – please see fee schedule– for students already on campus.
My doctor says I only need one measles immunization, is this true?
No. Massachusetts Department of Public Health, requires proof of two measles immunizations, both administered after January 1, 1968, at least one month apart, and after your first birthday.
Why do I need two mumps vaccines?
University Health and Counseling Services works with the Boston Public Health Commission and Massachusetts Department of Public Health. University requirements reflect the recommendations of both. Two doses of the mumps vaccine or a positive titer are required. The two mumps doses must be given at least 28 days apart, beginning at or after the first birthday.
What is the difference between the Td and the Tdap vaccines?
Tdap is a combination vaccine that includes tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. Td is a booster vaccine for tetanus and diphtheria. Td does not protect against pertussis.
In my country, rubella is not available, how can I get this vaccine?
UHCS provides Shots and Immunizations as well as titer testing. Students with Northeastern University Student Health Plan (NUSHP) are covered for all of their required vaccine costs. If you do not have NUSHP, vaccines may be purchased with a credit or debit card.
How many shots are included in the hepatitis B immunization?
The hepatitis B immunization is comprised of 3 shots. The first shot can be given at any time, the second dose needs to be administered at least one month after the first. The third dose at least two months after the second and four months after the first.
I had a meningitis vaccine 6 or more years ago, am I still covered?
No. Northeastern University requires students to have the meningitis immunization within 5 years of the start of school.
Can I receive immunizations at UHCS?
Yes. UHCS provides Shots and Immunizations as well as titer testing. Students with Northeastern University Student Health Plan (NUSHP) are covered for all of their required vaccine costs. If you do not have NUSHP, vaccines may be purchased with a credit or debit card.
The result of my blood titer was “equivocal” or “borderline”, what does this mean?
You may need another immunization to boost your immunity. Please review with your clinician or contact UHCS with any questions 617-373-2772.
What will happen to me if I’m exposed to an infectious illness for which I am not appropriately vaccinated?
The Boston Department of Public Health or Massachusetts Department of Public Health may determine that you have been exposed to an infectious illness and if you are not appropriately immunized, you may be required to be excluded from all University activities on campus including classes, academic work, residence halls, dining and social groups, for the specific time that encompasses your period of potential contagiousness. You will be allowed to return to campus after the risk of contracting the illness has passed.
What will happen if I do not have all of my immunizations documented?
Students who do not have all of the required immunizations documented or there is any problems with the timeline of immunizations, will receive an email from UHCS. It is important to read the UHCS email to see what immunizations are missing or incomplete. There are various options to complete the immunizations including, seeing your local health care provider, UHCS or visiting a local travel clinic in Boston.
What if I cannot have vaccines due to medical or religious reasons?
Students who have a medical reason for not receiving an immunization, must submit a letter from their health care provider documenting the reason and diagnosis that prohibits receiving a vaccine and specify which vaccine. This letter can be submitted to UHCS via email immunizations@northeastern.edu or fax 617-373-2601.
Students who have a religious reason must submit a letter, authored by the student, expressing the reason for the exemption and include a signature and date. This letter can be submitted to UHCS via email immunizations@northeastern.edu or fax 617-373-2601.
Please note that students with vaccine exemptions may be required to follow exclusion orders from the BPHC and MDPH in the cases of being exposed to infectious illness.
How do I submit my completed University Health Report?
The completed University Health Report can be returned to University Health and Counseling Services by immunizations@northeastern.edu or fax 617-373-2601.
Massachusetts Immunization Information System (MIIS)
Massachusetts law (M.G.L. c. 111, Section 24M) requires providers to report immunization information to a computerized immunization registry known as the Massachusetts Immunization Information System (MIIS).
The MIIS stores immunization records for you and your clinician and can help prevent outbreaks of disease like measles and the flu. All information in the MIIS is kept secure and confidential.
The MIIS allows information to be shared with health care providers, boards of public health and state agencies concerned with immunization.
You have the right to object to the sharing of your immunization information across providers in the MIIS. If you object, please complete this form and bring it to your appointment or submit it to uhcs@northeastern.edu.
For more information, visit the MIIS website at www.mass.gov/dph/miis or contact the Massachusetts Immunization Program MIIS Help Desk directly at 617-983-4335.
The MIIS opt-out does not apply to reportable suspected and positive diseases.
MIIS University Health Report
Massachusetts law (M.G.L. c. 111, Section 24M) requires providers to report immunization information to a computerized immunization registry known as the Massachusetts Immunization Information System (MIIS).