Student Vaccine Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can immunization records be dropped off in-person or submitted to Wentworth by email instead of Patient First.AI? 

   

  No. Wentworth does not review or approve immunization records. Our responsibility is solely to ensure that students are in compliance with Massachusetts immunization laws. DO NOT email vaccine documentation—email is not a secure form of communication, and Wentworth does not maintain a HIPAA-compliant system for collecting or storing medical records. All documentation must be submitted through Patient First.AI, which manages the official review and approval process.

• Which students are and are not required to submit immunizations?

  Required: All full-time undergraduate and graduate students (including commuter and transfer students) are required to submit proof of immunizations by completing the Patient First.AI process. This requirement applies regardless of age, including students over the age of 30.

  Not Required: Students enrolled in 100% fully remote courses are not required to submit immunization documentation.

• Are students required to resubmit immunizations?

  Students who completed or began submitting their immunizations through CastleBranch prior to Spring 2026 must remain in CastleBranch. Students admitted in Spring 2026 or later who already completed the immunizations process through Patient First.AI are not required to resubmit their records.

  When Resubmission Is Required

  Resubmission is required only when a vaccine no longer meets Massachusetts compliance standards. This occurs when a dose has expired or no longer satisfies the state requirement. For example, a Tdap vaccine older than ten years must be replaced with an updated dose and documented through the appropriate system based on the student’s entry term. If state requirements change, students must submit documentation that reflects the updated standard.

  Students who submitted medical or religious exemptions should refer to the Exemptions and Waivers to the Immunizations Policy section.

• What are the consequences for not completing the immunizations process? 

  Any student who is required to complete the immunization process and does not do so by the communicated deadline will have an immunization hold placed on their account. This hold will remain in place until all required vaccination records are submitted and approved in Patient First.AI.

• What is an immunization hold?

  An immunization hold is a registration block placed on a student’s account when required vaccination documentation has not been submitted and approved through Patient First.AI. This hold prevents course registration, class attendance, and if applicable, moving into the residence halls until compliance with Massachusetts immunization requirements is fulfilled.

• Who should be contacted for Patient First.AI account issues?

  Any questions related to vaccination documents, approval processes, login issues, or platform errors should be directed to Patient First.AI. Students can access support via the "Help" tab after logging into their account or email contact@patientfirstai.com

• How can students check the approval status of submitted vaccinations?

  Students can view their status by logging into their Patient First.AI account. The dashboard shows whether each requirement is compliant, in review, or needs more information. The student app includes a chatbot that provides answers based on the information supplied by the university.

• How long does the review process take?

  Patient First.AI follows a maximum turnaround time of 48 business hours for AI review cases. Students receive an automated email that confirms this timeline and another email once the review is complete. If a document requires more information, the system lists the reason so the correct file can be uploaded.

• Is health insurance required to receive vaccines?

  Most health insurance plans are required to cover routine vaccinations. Students enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) may receive required vaccines using their coverage, which is active during the academic year from August 28 through August 27 of the following year. 

  For more information about the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), please visit the Health Insurance  webpage.

  Students covered under a non-SHIP health insurance plan should contact their insurance provider directly to confirm vaccine coverage if there is any uncertainty.

• Will Wentworth host a Vaccine Clinic?

  Yes. Wentworth typically hosts an annual on-site COVID-19 and flu vaccine clinic for students, faculty, and staff during the Fall semester around flu season. Participants will be able to schedule an appointment and must bring their insurance card. Clinic details, including dates and registration instructions, will be announced a few weeks prior to the scheduled Vaccine Clinic date.