Student Vaccine Requirements
The state of Massachusetts requires all full-time undergraduate and graduate students to submit proof of immunization. A list of state-required vaccinations can be found here: MA School Immunizations Requirements
To comply with Massachusetts laws and maintain the health and safety of our campus community, students must submit their vaccination records through the CastleBranch Portal for approval.
Fall admits should wait to receive an email with Wentworth-specific CastleBranch instructions after submitting their admissions deposit.
Please note: All students will have an immunization hold on their account until vaccination records are submitted and approved in CastleBranch. For more information about immunization holds, please refer to the FAQs section below.
Submitting Immunization Records via CastleBranch
To support a seamless vaccine compliance process for our students, Wentworth is using CastleBranch, an independent compliance company working with many colleges and universities, to provide a HIPAA-compliant, vaccine portal. This portal will allow our students to upload all their medical vaccine documentation and to access their medical vaccine records at any time in the future if they need these documents for work, travel, or additional schools of higher education.
There are Wentworth-specific instructions for students to submit their immunization records on the CastleBranch Portal. Students must use their Wentworth Email Address to create their account.
You can find instructional videos on creating your account and completing orders by selecting "How do I complete my order?" tab on the CastleBranch Help page.
***Fall Admits: Please DO NOT create a CastleBranch account until a detailed email is received following submission of the deposit to Admissions.***
Deadlines for Immunization Submissions
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23
CastleBranch Access Opens for Fall Admits
Fall admits who have submitted their deposit will begin receiving Wentworth-specific instructions on how to access and use CastleBranch. Please allow up to two weeks after submitting a deposit to Admissions for this information to arrive via email.
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01
Fall Admits – CastleBranch Approval Due
All required immunizations must be submitted and fully approved in CastleBranch by July 1 for all Fall admits.
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01
Spring Admits – CastleBranch Approval Due
All incoming and transfer students for the Spring semester must submit all required immunizations and receive full CastleBranch approval by January 1.
Required Vaccinations
Incoming and transfer students must up submit all vaccinations required by the state of Massachusetts, including:
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
- Hepatitis B
- Meningococcal (for students under the age of 21)
Optional Vaccines: Flu and COVID-19
While COVID-19 and flu vaccinations are not required, public health experts recommend receiving them annually to enhance individual immunity and protect public health. Wentworth strongly encourages all students to stay up to date with these vaccinations each year.
Please note: Students are still required to indicate in their CastleBranch account whether they will be submitting documentation for the annual flu vaccination and/or COVID-19 vaccination.
A list of required vaccinations can be found here: MA School Immunizations Requirements
*Please review the FAQs below before contacting immunizations@wit.edu with additional questions.
Off-Campus Vaccine Clinics
Need a vaccine? Required vaccinations can be obtained at most Walgreens or CVS pharmacy locations, many of which offer same-day or walk-in service. You may also choose to contact your medical provider.
Please note: You must receive the exact vaccines listed in the requirements. For example, the Tdap requirement must be specifically met with the Tdap vaccine, not a variation. Submitting the wrong type is a common issue and may delay approval.
For questions about insurance coverage, please contact your insurance provider directly. Students enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) can visit the Health Insurance webpage for more information.
International Student Documentation Requirements
International students must submit all vaccination documentation in English. Submissions that are not in English will be rejected by CastleBranch. All records must also meet the immunization requirements for incoming and transfer students.
We strongly recommend international students to contact their healthcare providers as early as possible to ensure accurate translation of records prior to submission. In some cases, students choose to use a third-party HIPAA-compliant medical documentation translation service to ensure the accuracy and confidentiality of their vaccination records.
Exemptions to the Immunizations Policy
Students who are exempt from required vaccinations must upload appropriate exemption documentation to their CastleBranch account. Medical exemptions must be written and signed by a licensed medical doctor. Religious exemptions must be written by the student or, by a parent or legal guardian for students under the age of 18. The statement must confirm that receiving vaccinations conflicts with sincerely held religious beliefs. All exemption documentation must be signed and dated. Per Massachusetts law, exemption requests must be submitted annually.
Students seeking a medical or religious exemption must still complete the CastleBranch process by uploading a Declination Waiver for each exempted vaccine. Guidelines for submitting a waiver can be found under each specific vaccine requirement within the CastleBranch Portal.
Please note: Students with exemptions should be aware that in the event of a positive screening or exposure to an infectious disease, they will be excluded from campus for the duration of the contagious period.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Vaccine Requirements for Students
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Are returning students required to submit vaccinations?
Returning students are not required to resubmit previously approved vaccinations. However, they must remain in compliance with current Massachusetts immunization requirements. For example, if a Tdap vaccine is more than 10 years old, an updated dose must be received and submitted. If state requirements change, students are responsible for meeting any new vaccination standards.
Returning students are strongly encouraged to submit updated vaccine documentation to their CastleBranch account, including optional vaccinations such as COVID-19 boosters and the annual flu shot.
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Can vaccination records be submitted to Wentworth by email instead of CastleBranch?
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 medical records. All documentation must be submitted through CastleBranch, which manages the official review and approval process.
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Who should be contacted for CastleBranch account issues?
Any questions related to vaccination documents, approval processes, login issues, or platform errors should be directed to CastleBranch. The CastleBranch Service Desk provides support via phone, chat, and email during the following hours (EST):
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Phone: (888) 723-4263
Email: servicedesk.cu@castlebranch.com -
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 CastleBranch. This hold prevents course registration, class attendance, and if applicable, moving into the residence halls until compliance with Massachusetts immunization requirements is fulfilled.
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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.
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How can the Meningococcal vaccine requirement be waived?
Incoming students seeking to waive the Meningococcal vaccine requirement must read, print, and sign the Meningococcal Vaccine Waiver. Afterward, they must upload the signed waiver to their CastleBranch account under the Meningococcal vaccine requirement.