Student Immunization Form FAQs
Answers to your Student Immunization Form FAQs
I cannot meet the immunization form deadline. What should I do?
I cannot access the Patient Portal. What can I do?
My records are no longer available from my doctor. What can I do?
If you are a graduate student, you may be able to contact your undergraduate program’s health services to obtain a copy of your immunization history.
Students who have no immunization records can create an immunization record while a student at Harvard University. If you have no records you will need to obtain all necessary vaccines or blood tests (titers) to measure your immunity to the following required immunizations: Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella (Chicken Pox). Please note that if your results show that you do not have immunity, you will be required to obtain the immunizations. The following immunizations are not able to be tested for immunity and would need to be obtained prior to your registration date: Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap) and Meningococcal.
My titer results were equivocal. What should I do?
What if I have not taken the second vaccine in a series?
How do I prove immunity to chickenpox (varicella)?
Can I scan and email forms?
Forms should be uploaded to our Patient Portal. Please note, you will need to activate your HarvardKey in order to access the Patient Portal. For more information about how to claim your HarvardKey, and when it will be available, please visit key.harvard.edu. You will receive your HarvardKey from your program, not HUHS. Please contact your program regarding issues obtaining a HarvardKey.
Uploading forms is the preferred method; however, if you are unable to upload your forms to the portal, you may submit via email (mrecords@huhs.harvard.edu), mail, or fax (select only ONE way).
What if Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (TDAP) isn't available?
Why am I being asked for an additional TDAP vaccine?
At this time, regulations for the State of Massachusetts recommend one TDAP in a lifetime and TD every ten years. As a private institution, we can require immunizations ahead of the state making a regulatory requirement. Due to previous outbreaks of Pertussis on campus, HUHS believes that there is evidence that it is in the best interest of the University and the overall public health that students should have more recent Pertussis immunization protection.
In the case of countries that do not provide the TDAP immunization, students can receive the TDAP here on campus at the Fall Semester immunization clinics at the end of August.
I have a previous chart at HUHS. Do I have to resubmit records?
I am a family member. Do I have to submit health history info?
Can I include other medical forms with immunization/exam forms?
Can my parent/guardian fill it out if they know the dates?
How do I know if my forms have been accepted?
Is a physical exam required?
I do not wish to obtain immunizations. Do I need to get them?
The only circumstances under which a student may be exempted from the Massachusetts Immunization Law are as follows:
- Certification in writing by an examining health care provider who is of the opinion that your physical condition is such that your health would be endangered by one or more of the immunizations. You will be required to submit laboratory evidence of immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella, and if not immune, you may need to leave campus in the event of an outbreak.
OR
- You state in writing that the required immunizations would conflict with your religious beliefs. It is recommended that you present evidence of immunity as above. Otherwise, you may have to leave campus in the event of an outbreak.
If you are claiming vaccine exemption, complete the Student Vaccine Exemption Form. Medical exemption requires the completed Student Vaccine Exemption Form in addition to your medical provider’s letter stating your need for exemption. Meningitis exemption requires the Massachusetts Waiver for Meningococcal Vaccination Requirement Form in addition to the Student Vaccine Exemption Form. Religious exemption requires completion of the Student Vaccine Exemption Form.