Immunization Requirements for BHCC Students
Massachusetts law requires many students to submit proof of vaccines (immunizations) when they start college. Please read carefully to see if this applies to you.
Who Must Submit Immunization Records?
You must submit your vaccine records if you are:
- A full-time student under age 30 (taking 12 or more credits in a degree or certificate program and one or more of your classes are on-campus)
- An international student with a visa(even if you are part-time, visiting, or here for a short-term exchange program)
- A remote or online student who may come to campus (Even if you are studying fully online, you must submit immunizations if you plan to ever visit or take a class on campus in the future)
Vaccines Required for All Students in the Groups Above:
You must show proof of these vaccines:
- MMR – Measles, Mumps, and Rubella
- Hepatitis B
- Varicella – Chickenpox
- Tdap – Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis
- Meningococcal – Meningitis
Extra Requirements for Health Program Students:
If you're in an Allied Health Selective Admissions Program [SM1] (like Nursing, Medical Assisting, etc.), you must also provide:
- Meningitis vaccine (or signed waiver form)
- Flu (Influenza) vaccine
- Tuberculosis (TB) screening test
- Physical exam report
- CPR certification – Must be from American Heart Association
You must upload these before starting clinicals (hands-on training).
Allied Health Selective Admissions Programs
Students who have been admitted to a Selective Admissions Program are advised, during their program orientation, that immunizations and all other health related documentation can be securely uploaded on BHCC's Etrieve site.
Visit the Selective Program page for more information about Selective Admissions Programs.
What Happens If You Don’t Submit Your Records?
- You have 30 days after you register for classes to upload your records.
- If you don’t, you won’t be able to register for next semester.
- Records must be uploaded to DISA Healthcare Technology (Previously known as CastleBranch) (see below for more instructions).
How to Upload Immunization Forms
BHCC uses DISA Healthcare Technology (Previously known as CastleBranch) to collect vaccine records. It’s free for students.
Steps:
- Go to the document portal
- When it asks “Do you want to order a product?” → Click YES
- Choose Bunker Hill Community College
- Follow the instructions to upload your documents. It is FREE to BHCC students.
Frequently Asked Immunization Questions
Massachusetts state law requires all full-time students under the age of 30 (taking one or more classes on campus) and all allied health professions students (part-time and full-time) to be immunized within 30 days of initial enrollment.
Full-time status is registered for 12 or more credits (i.e. credits attempted).
As soon as possible! State law requires students to be immunized within 30 days of initial enrollment.
You will be prevented from registering for upcoming semesters.
You are in compliance (i.e. have met this requirement) at this time. Please note however, you need to get your second shot 1 month after your 1st shot and the 3rd shot 6 months thereafter, and send DISA documentation after each of these 2 remaining shots. You will not get a hold if you don’t get the required subsequent shots in a timely manner.
No. You simply need to submit a copy of your immunization records. Do not submit the originals; keep them for your records.
Copies are not only sufficient, but recommended! We recommend that you hold onto your original immunization records and/or signed Immunization form - and just give us a copy. You may need these original documents for other purposes.
Yes. You may make the request in person at Student Central or by contacting the Academic Records Office.
The records need to be translated to English. A copy of the original should be submitted with the translated version.
For assistance with finding translating resources, you can contact the International Center at BHCC at 617-228-2460 or email them at internationaladv@bhcc.edu. They are located at the Charlestown Campus in Room N-221.
If you are able to do so, contact the doctor or facility from who/where you received your immunizations and have them complete and sign the back page of the immunization form.
Otherwise, contact your current primary care physician, or other health professional, to identify the next steps for your particular situation.
Check with your health insurance carrier to see if it will pay for, or reduce, the cost of the immunizations.
Contact your primary care physician if you have one. If not, places like CVS Minute Clinic or Doctors Express generally stock the immunizations needed, but it is advised that you call ahead to confirm availability of the vaccines and any out-of-pocket expense.
You can also visit the Easyvax website or vaccines.gov to find a vaccine appointment.
For more information regarding how to pay for vaccines, please visit the CDC website.
If you do not currently have health insurance, visit HealthCare.gov to learn more about affordable health coverage options.
“Vaccinations play a vital role in routine health care for adults. They provide protection against severe illness, disability, and death from many infectious diseases such as COVID-19, influenza, HPV-related cancers, and pneumococcal disease. Despite the exceptional benefits of vaccines, the vast majority of adults are missing one or more routinely recommended vaccines”(cdc.gov).
You will need to submit a signed statement by a physician indicating that it is not medically advisable to be immunized. Submit the signed statement with the immunization form (check the appropriate box in section #2 on the front page of the form, and sign and date the form).
You will need to submit a signed statement stating that becoming immunized conflicts with your sincere religious beliefs. Submit the signed statement with the immunization form (check the appropriate box in section #2 on the front page of the form, and sign and date the form).