Required Immunizations

General Requirements

In accordance with Massachusetts state law and in accordance with College policy, ALL students must show proof of the following immunizations:

• a booster dose of tetanus diphtheria within the past 10 years;
• two doses of measles vaccine (or MMR #1 and MMR #2) given at least one month apart at or after 12 months of age, or laboratory evidence of immunity;
• at least one dose of mumps and rubella vaccine(s) or laboratory evidence of immunity, and
• Hepatitis B vaccine series (three doses).

Additional requirements for all MCPHS students include:

Tuberculosis skin test (within the past year) or normal chest X-ray prior to admission (Note: An updated tuberculosis skin test is required annually after a student is enrolled. A negative skin test or normal chest X-ray or health care provider documentation of being symptom free is required each year a student is enrolled.); and varicella (chickenpox) positive titer result or vaccination(s) of varicella (one shot if thirteen years of age or younger and two shots if over thirteen years of age with a one month interval between vaccinations).

All new entering MCPHS students must provide documentation of having received a meningococcal vaccine (within the last 5 years) unless they qualify for one of the exemptions allowed by the law. Students may begin classes without a certificate of immunization against meningococcal disease if: 1) the student has a letter from a physician stating that there is a medical reason why he/she can’t receive the vaccine; 2) the student (or the student’s parent or legal guardian, if the student is a minor) presents a statement in writing that such vaccination is against his/her sincere religious belief; or 3) the student (or the student’s parent or legal guardian, if the student is a minor) signs a waiver stating that the student has received information about the dangers of meningococcal disease, reviewed the information provided and elected to decline the vaccine.

Inability to provide proof of immunization by the start of the first academic term of enrollment (and any subsequent terms) will result in a late fee charge. Additionally, all students are required to have a physical examination within one year of admission to the college. Transfer students may submit a copy of their physical examination from the school they previously attended.

Additional requirements for Dental Hygiene, Physician Assistant, Nursing, and Radiologic Sciences students are as follows:

Hepatitis B positive titer and Rubella positive titer

Certain health care agencies and clinical training and service-learning sites may have additional immunization requirements. In order to be eligible for clinical placements or service-learning experiences, students must meet all College immunization requirements and any additional site requirements. In cases where the site does not pay for the completion of additional immunization requirements, the student is responsible for paying any associated fees. Without clearance of all College and site immunization requirements, students may not be permitted to begin clinical or service-learning placements, and therefore, may be unable to meet program requirements.