Immunization FAQs

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, verify information, and fill out the needed information for the Mason 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 Student Health Services provide transcription service for a fee. Click here for more information about transcription.

Click here to go to Step 2 “Gather Records” to learn where you may find your vaccination records.

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. Email the Immunization Office to request transcription service following instructions on our website.

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

Yes. Immunization requirements are mandated by the Commonwealth of Virginia and George Mason University policy. Click here for information about incomplete records.

Students with the Mason Immunization Record Form transcribed and signed by a healthcare professional may submit a 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) before the deadline.  Students do not need to resubmit the entire immunization record form again.

Contact the Immunization Office (call 703-993-2135 or email immunize@gmu.edu) with questions about meeting requirements.

Log into the Patient Portal to check the status of your submitted form and records. The status will be updated after the Immunization Record Form or documentation is submitted and processed, which can take 5-14 business days.

Two ways to check your status:

• Select ‘Messages’ from the Patient Portal navigation menu to read the message about your record status.  Read messages find out if your status is “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 updated. 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.
• You can also select “Immunizations – “View History” from the navigation menu. A message will state “Overall Status – Verified” once your immunizations are complete. If you have not met a requirement, then the vaccine will be listed under Missing Immunization. Vaccines will appear in the ‘Item on File’ section.

After you submit the required documentation, check the portal again for your updated record status.

No.  All immunization records and/or exemption forms should be uploaded to the Patient Portal.

You can choose to mail the Immunization Record Form or original, notarized Religious Exemption Form to the Immunization Office (4400 University Drive, MS 2D3, Fairfax VA 22030). Leave plenty of time for the forms to arrive prior to the deadline.

Retain copies of mailed documents for your records.

Log into the Patient Portal. There are two ways to check for missing requirements:

1. Select “Messages” from the navigation menu. You will be notified of missing or incomplete requirements once your records are processed. Read the message to learn more about how to complete the requirement.
2. Select “Immunizations – “View History” from the navigation menu. If you have not met a requirement, then the vaccine will be listed under Missing Immunization. Vaccines will appear in the ‘Item on File’ section. A message will state “Overall Status – Verified” once your immunizations are complete.
   • If you have an approved extension, your status will be listed as verified until the extension expires (if applicable).

Any supporting immunization documents must have two identifiers. Your full name must be one of the identifiers.

Students should write their date of birth (DOB) and Mason G# on the documentation to submit it. Preferred DOB format is MM/DD/YYYY.

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.

Get a copy of your Mason immunization record through the online Health Services Patient Portal.

1. Log into Patient Portal. Find log-in instructions here.
2. Select “Immunizations” then “View History” from the Patient Portal navigation menu.
3. Click the green Print button to download a pdf or print a copy of your record.

Student Health recommends that before graduating from Mason, you download 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.

No, it does not have to be transcribed onto the Immunization Record Form.

You are strongly encouraged to submit your COVID vaccination documentation along with the Immunization Record Form through 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 serotypeB 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.

Yes. Any student who will be meeting and/or living on a George Mason University campus (Fairfax, Arlington, Science and Technology, Loudoun, etc) must submit the Mason Immunization Record Form and immunization documentation.

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

Yes, all Mason students are required to submit the Mason Immunization Record Form and immunization documentation.

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. Students must provide proof of vaccination. Click here for requirements.

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 (call 703-993-2135) for your immunizations for a fee.

All George Mason University students are strongly encouraged to submit COVID-19 vaccination documentation. Upload it to the online Patient Portal.

Visit our COVID-19 Vaccination page for more information.

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 to the online patient portal.

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.

Your healthcare provider must complete and sign the Mason Certificate of Medical Exemption for Immunizations Requirements Form (PDF). Medical diagnosis must be included. Upload it to the patient portal.

Newly admitted or newly re-admitted students should submit this form along with your Mason Immunization Record Form through the online Patient Portal.

Students must submit the original, signed, and notarized Virginia Certificate of Religious Exemption Form (Form CRE-1). The religious exemption form is located on the Commonwealth of Virginia website – search for “Religious Exemption Form Virginia”. The correct form will say Form CRE-1 at the bottom.

Exemptions do not apply to the Tuberculosis Screening section on the Mason Immunization Record Form.

Submission options:

1. Upload to the online patient portal (preferred method).
2. Or, mail to “Immunization Office, 4400 University Drive, MS 2D3, Fairfax VA, 22030”.

Click here for more information about late fee and account holds.

Late fees are applied for anyone not compliant with ANY immunization requirement by the listed deadline.

Log into the Patient Portal and select Messages from the navigation menu. You are notified of incomplete or missing requirements.

Learn more about the late fee here.