Immunization Information

Massachusetts Immunization Law

Proof of immunization is also required by law in Massachusetts for:

• ALL full-time students
• ALL international students

Immunization requirements include:

• 2 MMRs (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) given after the 1st birthday, and at least one month apart
• Tdap within 10 years. There is no test to prove immunity to tetanus diphtheria and Pertusis, you will need to have a Tdap in order to fulfill the Massachusetts State Immunization requirements.
• Hepatitis B series of three immunizations. Blood test showing positive immunity to hepatitis B is an acceptable alternative.
• Meningococcal vaccine for bacterial meningitis: students who will be living on campus are REQUIRED to either document that you have had the vaccine within 5 years, or sign the official waiver form stating that you understand the risks and choose not to receive the vaccine.
• Chicken pox/Varicella: 2 doses of vaccine, date of diagnosed illness, or immunity by blood test is acceptable.

Immunizations must be completed before arrival on campus. Massachusetts law allows only a 30 day grace period for complying with the requirements.

Medical and Religious Exemptions

You may be considered exempt from the Massachusetts College Immunization Law if one of the following applies to you:

1. Medical Exemption -  if a physician submits documentation attesting that an immunization is medically contraindicated.

2. Religious Exemption -  if a student submits a written statement that immunizations conflict with their sincere religious beliefs. Massachusetts Law does not allow philosophical exemptions, even if signed by a physician. Only medical and religious exemptions are acceptable. These exemptions must be kept in the students’ files  (105 CMR 220.000 and M.G.L.c.76,ss.15C).  If an outbreak of measles, mumps or rubella should occur on campus, you will be considered susceptible and will be required to remain off campus.  Immunization records or titer results may fulfill the immunization requirements and prevent exclusion from the campus in the event of an outbreak. 

• If you are applying for an exemption you should submit all of your immunization records and letter to the Student Health Service in order to document any previous immunizations, physician-verified diagnosis and/or positive titer results. Please note that the titer is a blood test, which determines the level of immunity an individual may have to measles, mumps, rubella; chicken pox; hepatitis B, and may be used as an alternative to immunizations. However, since there is no test to prove immunity to tetanus diphtheria and Pertusis, you will need to have a Tdap in order to fulfill the Massachusetts State Immunization requirements.
• Immunization records and exemption letters can be emailed to vdelani@lesley.edu; faxed to 617.349.8225 or mailed to the Lesley Student Health Service, 29 Everett Street, Cambridge, Ma 02138.

• The College will consider each exemption request on a case-by-case basis and make a determination whether to approve the request.

Immunizations for Graduate and Adult Bachelor's Students

If you are a Graduate or Adult Bachelor's student, please refer to the Graduate/Adult Bachelor's immunization web page or contact Boris Collins by phone at 617.349.8543 or by email at bcollins@lesley.edu.