Skip to main content

Immunization Requirements

Massachusetts law requires immunization documentation to be on file in the counseling and health services office for students attending Salem State University. University policy and Massachusetts state law requires certain students to be in full compliance with Massachusetts state laws 105 CMR 220.00 and 105 CMR 220.660 and the Salem State University immunization policy, no later than two weeks prior to the start of the semester. Students who must be in compliance with immunization requirements include:

  • Residential students entering summer, fall, or spring. Residential students are expected to be in compliance with the requirements PRIOR to moving into the residence halls.
  • Undergraduate students who are taking 12 credits or more.
  • Graduate students enrolled full time in their graduate program. This includes students who may alternate between part time to full time status for an individual semester.
  • Part-time students in a health science academic program.
  • Students attending the university on an international student visa.
  • Please review the Immunization requirements, outlined in detail below. You can call counseling and health services with any questions.
  • You MUST upload your immunization records to your health services portal 

  • Students are advised to login to their student health portal and review their “Immunization Requirements and Forms” page at the start of every semester. It is also imperative to review emails and health portal messages received from counseling and health services to avoid registration delays or frustrations due to immunization noncompliance.

Immunization Requirements at Salem State University

  • Hepatitis B: three doses required
    • Dose one and two at least four weeks apart;
    • Dose two and three at least eight weeks apart;
    • at least 16 weeks between doses one and three
    • OR Hepislav-B 2 doses 4 weeks apart
    • OR Hepatitis B lmmune Serology (titer) accepted (Lab documentation to be attached)
  • Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR): two doses MMR
    • Dose one after first birthday;
    • Dose two at least one month after dose one OR
    • MMR Immune Serology (titer) accepted (Lab documentation to be attached)
    • For college students, except health science students, birth before 1957 in the U.S. is also acceptable.
  • Meningitis
    • One dose of MCV4 for all students between the ages of 16 and 21 OR
    • signed waiver under the forms selection
  • TB risk screening questionnaire- Complete on Immunization Requirements & Forms page within the health portal. Completion of this form is required within 6 months of starting classes. 
  • Tetanus-Diptheria and Pertussis: one dose of adult Tdap within the past 10 years. A Td is NOT an acceptable alternative. 
  • Varicella (Chicken Pox): two doses of Varicella required
    • Dose one after first birthday;
    • Dose two at least three months after dose one if younger than 13; OR
    • Dose two at least one month after dose one if older than 13
    • History of disease (documentation needed by PCP) OR
    • Varicella Immune Serology (titer) accepted (Lab documentation to be attached) OR
    • Birth before 1980 in U.S. is acceptable for college students, except health science students

Other Recommended Vaccines, (not required):

  • Influenza
    • The flu vaccine is strongly recommended to receive each fall/winter season, particularly during the pandemic to minimize viral respiratory illnesses in our community. 
  • COVID-19 Boosters
    • As of May 11th, 2023, the CDC recommends that people ages 6 months an older receive at least 1 bivalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccine to be considered "up to date" on your COVID-19 vaccination. CDC guidance available here
  • Human Papilloma Virus (HPV): three doses Gardasil 0.5mL
    • Doses one and two at least one to two months apart
    • Doses one and three at least six months apart
  • Meningococcal B Vaccine is recommended for all residential students. Currently 2 vaccines are available and the same vaccine must be used for all doses.
    • Bexsero is given as 2 doses, at least 1 month apart.
    • Trumenba is given as 3 doses, with the second dose 2 months after the first and the third dose 6 months after the first.

Do You Need More Help?

Counseling and Health Services
Walk-In Service: North Campus, Ellison Campus Center 107
Find more information: Online Health Portal