IMMUNIZATIONS

A titer is a laboratory test that measures the presence and amount of antibodies in blood. A titer may be used to prove immunity to disease. A blood sample is taken and tested.

If the test is positive (above a particular known value) the individual has immunity. If the test is negative (no immunity) or equivocal (not enough immunity) you need to be vaccinated.

A Titer Lab Report is generated by the lab that tested the blood sample. The Titer Lab Report must include the test type, exact values, signature, and date.

Transcription means that a healthcare professional will review your immunization records and write down the needed information on the Immunization Record Form. The Immunization Record Form is not considered transcribed if “see attached” is written in the sections the healthcare professional must complete.

Students can have records transcribed with the Student Health Services Immunization Office.

For transcription service, fill out Parts 1 – 3 (if applicable, part 2) of the Mason Immunization Record Form. Upload shot records and immunization documents through the Patient Portal.

Student Health Services recognizes the stress that coronavirus (COVID-19) has placed on our students and healthcare system. To help students become compliant with immunization requirements, there will be no cost for transcription service with Student Health for students submitting summer/fall 2020 immunizations through September 30, 2020.

Beginning October 1, 2020, Student Health will resume charging the transcription service fee.

{FAQ updated September 24, 2020}

No, students cannot only submit shot/vaccination records.

The Mason Immunization Record Form must be transcribed (filled out and signed) by a healthcare professional.   This can be your healthcare provider or Student Health Services.

For transcription service with Student Health, fill out Parts 1 – 3 (if applicable, part 2) of the Mason Immunization Record Form. Upload shot records and immunization documents through the Patient Portal.

The Immunization Record Form and any supporting documentation must be received and completed by the appropriate deadlines.

Students with their Immunization Record Form transcribed and signed by a healthcare professional, may submit the partial form as long as the majority of the required information is complete.

The student must also submit the missing proof of vaccination for the remaining requirement(s).  Students do not need to resubmit the entire immunization record form again.

Student Health Services recognizes the stress that coronavirus (COVID-19) has placed on our students and healthcare system. We understand this is an evolving situation. If you are missing documentation or vaccinations, please contact the Immunization Office with questions or concerns about meeting requirements. Visit our transcription webpage for information about that service.

{FAQ updated April 2020}

Log into the Patient Portal to check the status of your submitted form and records.  Select the ‘Messages’ tab on the Patient Portal navigation bar to read the message about your record status. The status will be updated after the Immunization Record Form or documentation is submitted – typically within 48 business hours, however, it may take longer based on the volume of submissions.

The message subject line will be “Complete” or “Incomplete”. If the status is complete, you are done. If the status is incomplete, the message will explain what requirement is missing or needs to be updated. After you submit the required documentation, check the portal again for your updated record status.

An email is also sent to the student’s Mason email account. The email will direct you to log into the Patient Portal. Check your junk/spam folder if you do not see a message in your inbox.

Students should contact their health insurance provider to check their insurance coverage for immunizations and titers. Student Health Services cannot guarantee coverage, payment or reimbursement by your insurance company.

Students who have purchased the university Student Health Insurance plan have necessary immunizations and/or titers covered at 100% at Student Health Services. Details can be found in your Plan Details and Summary.

Log Into Portal

Visit: gmu.medicatconnect.com. You will be directed to the log in page sso.medicatconnect.com operated by InCommon. You will need your George Mason University Net ID (user ID) and patriot password. Select “George Mason University” as your school.

To Upload Documents:

Step 1: Scan and save your documents individually to your computer or take a picture. This is completed outside of the patient portal using your scanner software or smart phone. If you are uploading multiple documents, you will need to scan/take a picture and save each document as a separate file.

• Images must be .png, .tiff, .jpg, .jpeg, .gif. Documents must be .txt or .pdf.
• Files must be smaller than 4 MB. Scan in black and white, or at a setting of 150 DPI to get a smaller file.
• Do not include any special characters in the file name.

Step 2: Select “Upload”. Choose the document you are uploading in the “Choose document you are uploading” drop down menu.

Step 3: Click on “Select File”, and locate the file on your computer or smart phone.

Step 4: Click on the Upload button. The document will be listed below, as a confirmation that the document was added to the queue. If you made a mistake you may delete the file by clicking on the “X” at the end of the document name which is listed next to the Change box.

All the documents you have chosen to upload will appear below the Documents already on file section as a confirmation they were successfully uploaded. You can log back into the portal within 48 business hours after successful upload to check your record status.

George Mason Student Health Services has implemented a secure, online patient portal.  Currently, students can view and enter immunization records, upload documents, enter insurance information, complete appointment forms, access education documents you have received from Student Health, and receive secure messages from your provider. Other features will be made available as we continue with implementation.

How to Access the Patient Portal

Visit: https://gmu.medicatconnect.com. Or, select “Patient Portal” from the Student Health website navigation menu.

You will be directed to the log in page sso.medicatconnect.com operated by InCommon.

You will need your George Mason University Net ID (user ID) and patriot password. Select “George Mason University” as your school.

Receiving Secure Messages

You will receive an email via your Mason email informing you that you have a message. You must log into the portal to access the message. The email message will be from: NoReply[at]medicat.com. If you have any questions about the legitimacy of the email, please call 703-993-2831.

Current students can get a copy of their immunization record through the online Student Health Patient Portal.  Select “George Mason University” as your school. Select the “Immunizations” tab in the navigation bar. Student Health recommends that before graduating from Mason, you print a copy of your immunization record to keep for your records.

Students can also fill out and submit the Release of Health Records FROM Mason form to request a copy of their immunization record. Submission options are listed on the form.

There is no fee for students to obtain their immunization record.

Any student who will be meeting and/or living on a George Mason University campus (Fairfax, Arlington, Science and Technology, Loudoun, etc) must submit records.

Yes. All students, part-time and full-time, degree and non-degree students, living on or off campus, must submit immunization records in order to attend classes at George Mason University.

Yes, all Mason students are required to submit their immunization records.

Any student who will be meeting and/or living on a George Mason University campus (Fairfax, Arlington, Science and Technology, Loudoun, etc) must submit records.

If you are taking only online classes but receive an email from the Immunization Office, please contact us.

Due to current university operational changes because of the coronavirus pandemic, Student Health recommends students who originally were taking on-campus classes and changed to online classes only due to COVID-19 still submit immunization records. Once the university returns to normal operation you will be required to meet immunization requirements. At that time you can submit any updates you may need.

{FAQ updated April 2020}

Tuberculin (TB) testing is a procedure for diagnosis of Latent TB Infection. This test is performed by either a tuberculin skin test or a blood test (T-Spot or QuantiFeron).

A Quantiferon test (QFT) is acceptable instead of the tuberculin skin test. If you choose the blood test, you should submit a copy of the lab report with your immunization records.

If a tuberculin (TB) skin test is required for you, the test must be less than 3 months old from the first day of classes at Mason. A tuberculin skin test, a quantiferon blood test, or a t-spot test will be accepted to meet the requirement.

If you have documentation of a previous positive TB test, only provide documentation of history and a chest x-ray report. A chest x-ray report must be less than 3 months old from the first day of classes at Mason. Provide documentation of medication if taken.

No. A chest x-ray is only acceptable if you have tested positive for tuberculosis. You must complete a TB skin test or TB blood test less than 3 months from the first day of classes at Mason. The TB testing is required based on the screening questions on the Immunization Record Form.

No. A history of disease is NOT accepted as proof of immunization. It is recommended to have titers drawn to verify sufficient immunity. If immunity is not positive, you will be required to receive MMR vaccinations.

No. You will be unable to register without an up-to-date tetanus and diphtheria booster. The booster must be administered every 10 years. Students receiving their decennial booster must receive Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), or Td (tetanus/diphtheria) per listed requirements.

You can  receive immunization from a healthcare provider or local health department. You can also schedule an appointment with Student Health Services (703-993-2135) for your immunizations for a fee.

Your healthcare provider must complete and sign the Mason Certificate of Medical Exemption for Immunizations Requirements Form. You should submit this form with your Immunization Record Form. Preferred submission method, upload to the patient portal.

Student Health Services strongly recommends students complete the Meningitis B vaccine series, especially if you will be living in a dormitory or dorm-style residence.

Recently, there have been outbreaks of meningococcal B at several U.S. colleges and universities. And, both Meningococcal serotype ACYW and Meningococcal serotype B have caused meningitis outbreaks. Meningitis ACYW vaccine does not protect against Meningitis B.

Note: The Meningitis B vaccine does not fulfill the Meningococcal quadrivalent (ACYW) immunization requirements.

More information about Meningitis is available from the Centers for Disease Control.

Vaccine Information Statements are available in many languages from the Immunization Action Coalition.