Immunization Requirements - Health Care Programs

Overview

Health care students are at risk of exposure to communicable diseases because of their contact with patients/clients/residents or material from patients/clients/residents with infections, both diagnosed and undiagnosed. Maintenance of immunity against vaccine-preventable diseases is an integral part of a health care facility’s occupational health program. Optimal immunization for health care students will not only safeguard their own health but may also protect patients/clients/residents from becoming infected by a heath care student.

Students should be aware that lack of immunization might affect their ability to work/do their practicum in some facilities and may affect their ability to progress in the program.

The priority for all students of health care programs should be to ensure that all routine immunizations, including booster doses, are completed and booster doses are provided as needed on an ongoing basis.

References

• BC Centre for Disease Control Immunization Program. Communicable disease control manual, Chapter 2: Immunization
• HealthLinkBC: Immunization for Health Care Workers in BC

Immunization Process for Health Care Students

1. Students newly admitted to health care programs will submit proof of immunization upon registration for their admission. Records must be signed or stamped by a health care provider.

2. Immunizations and TB testing may be arranged by appointment at:

   • Local Health Units
   • Travel Clinics
   • Family Physician
   • Pharmacists
   • Other (e.g., Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Friendship Centre, Nanaimo, BC)

   Students should bring all childhood or previous immunization records to the appointment for review.

3. Immunizations will be provided to students for the specific program they are entering, based on previous immunizations, birth year, and previous vaccine preventable illness.
4. All students are responsible for keeping their own records of immunization and/or laboratory testing, and updating their immunizations as needed.
5. Students who cannot be immunized because of allergies, pregnancy or for other reasons should provide a letter from a health care provider to that effect.

Please note: There may be a fee for vaccination services.