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EXPLORE NORTHEASTERN

University Health Report

Massachusetts law requires all University students to provide documentation of vaccination against Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Meningitis, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis and Varicella. University Health and Counseling also recommends four additional vaccinations HPV (3 dose series), Hepatitis A (2 dose series), Meningitis B, and Influenza. These immunizations are recommended but not required.

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.

The University Health Report is 4 pages in length.

  • Page 1 – demographic information and consent to treat
  • Page 2 – state mandated vaccinations and recommended vaccinations. A health care provider must this page to verify the dates.
  • Pages 3 and 4 – Meningococcal waiver form.

The completed University Health Report can be returned to University Health and Counseling Services by email immunizations@northeastern.edu or fax 617-373-2601. Paper submission is not accepted.

Download the 2022- 2023 University Health Report

Deadlines

  • June 30, 2022 – For UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS entering the University in Fall 2022.
  • December 1, 2022 – For all UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS entering the University Spring 2023.
  • GRADUATE STUDENTS must return the form no later than one month before entering the University.

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 are required?

Hep B – Hepatitis B
Tdap – Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis
MMR – Measles, mumps and rubella 
Varicella – Chickenpox
Meningitis 

– 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. 
– 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. 

Where do I submit documentation of my COVID-19 vaccination?

Northeastern University requires a full COVID-19 vaccination series and a booster dose. Upload proof of the COVID-19 vaccines to vaccine.northeastern.edu.

What immunizations are recommended?

In addition to the required immunizations, University Health and Counseling Services recommends the following vaccinations: HPV (3 dose series), Hepatitis A (2 dose series), Meningitis B, and Influenza. These immunizations are recommended but not required.


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 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 tier 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 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 should be returned to University Health and Counseling Services by immunizations@northeastern.edu or fax 617-373-2601.

University Health and Counseling Services participates in the Massachusetts Immunization Information System (MIIS) 



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).