Student Vaccine Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can immunization records be dropped off in-person or 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 or storing medical records. All documentation must be submitted through CastleBranch, 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 CastleBranch 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 returning students required to resubmit immunizations on CastleBranch?

  Returning students are not required to resubmit previously approved vaccinations on their CastleBranch account. 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.

• 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 CastleBranch.

• 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.

• 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

• How can the approval status for submitted vaccinations be checked?

  Vaccination document statuses can be viewed by logging into the CastleBranch account. It is recommended to check the account 5–7 days after submission to confirm that each item is marked as Complete. This indicates the documentation has been approved.

  If a document is marked Pending Review, it is still under review by CastleBranch.
  If a document is marked Rejected, a reason will be provided by CastleBranch; the document must be corrected and resubmitted. DO NOT resubmit the same document that was initially rejected without the proper corrections, it will continue to be rejected and cause further delays.

  Wentworth does not verify or approve vaccination records. All approval-related inquiries must be directed to CastleBranch.

• What if a CastleBranch account was created using a personal email instead of a Wentworth email?

  All students who did not use their Wentworth email address (ending in @wit.edu) to create their account, must contact CastleBranch directly to request that their account email and username be updated to reflect their Wentworth email address. This step is required to ensure the account links properly to the Wentworth student portal.

  CastleBranch can be reached at 888-723-4263 or servicedesk.cu@castlebranch.com.

  After the update is made, it may take 3–5 business days for the CastleBranch account and student portal to sync. If the immunizations process is complete but the student portal does not update to reflect that within one week, students should contact immunizations@wit.edu for further assistance.

• 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.

• 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.