Clinical Student Requirements

Boston University policy and Massachusetts law require additional immunizations and testing for clinical students. These requirements protect patients and the medical community at-large—whether working directly with patients or not. Clinical students include those:

Please submit your documentation one month before the start of your first semester. Student Health Services will notify schools and colleges of students or residents who are not compliant with these requirements, which may result in sanctions.

Requirements for Clinical Students

You must provide documentation of the following:

  1. Flu vaccination. Annual influenza vaccine given on or after August 1 of the current academic year. Proof of the influenza vaccine must be uploaded to Patient Connect by December 1.
  2. Hepatitis B immunity. Either a complete 3 dose Hepatitis B series (or 2 doses of Heplisav) and positive titer or laboratory evidence of prior infection with Hepatitis B.
  3. Varicella immunity. Two doses of varicella vaccine or positive varicella titer. We do not accept a date of disease.
  4. COVID-19 vaccination. Up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination.
  5. Tuberculosis (TB) testing. Learn about TB testing requirements.

How to Submit Your Documentation

  1. Log into Patient Connect
  2. Choose the Medical Clearances option on the left-hand side of the screen.
  3. Click the Update button to the right of Immunization Record
  4. Click the Upload button.
  5. Select the document from your device.
  6. Click Save once completed.

Requirements for Clinical Rotations

If you will be away from BU for a clinical rotation, your site may require you to complete health requirements and paperwork that are separate from BU.

If you are required to submit documentation, you may be able to complete the process online with SHS:

  1. Log into Patient Connect
  2. Choose the Messages option on the left-hand side of the screen
  3. Choose New Message and select Rotation Form
  4. Select Add attachment and select the form from your device
  5. Respond to the rotation questions
  6. Click Send

SHS will review the form and contact you within 2 to 3 business days with an update. You will receive either a completed form through Patient Connect or we will contact you about scheduling an appointment. Depending on your medical history and form requirements, you may require additional immunizations, Tuberculosis testing, or a physical exam.

Waivers & Exemptions

Massachusetts requires vaccination to protect our community and minimize the spread of preventable disease. Furthermore, clinical student requirements protect patients and the community at-large.

Waivers for immunizations will only be granted in select circumstances: