Health Screening & Immunizations

Pre-Enrollment Physical Examination

A pre-enrollment physical examination is required of all entering students. Immunizations as listed on the pre-enrollment form and below must be completed before entrance to the school and documentation provided that they have received all required immunizations. The student is responsible for all costs associated with these requirements. Each student is encouraged to have health insurance while enrolled.

Immunization Requirements

The immunization requirements are as follows:

1.  MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) All students born in or after 1957 who enter institutions of post-high school education must have documentation of two (2) doses of measles vaccine (preferably given as MMR). If no documentation of MMR administration, must obtain MMR titer screen, or if more cost effective, obtain immunization.

2. Tetanus – diphtheria or TDAP (must have within last 10 years)

3. COVID-19 - Due to the devastating outbreak of COVID-19, many of our clinical affiliates have now begun requiring that our students and clinical faculty be vaccinated against the virus.  To assure an equitable clinical education for all our students, and due to the fact that our students must rotate through each of these clinical facilities, we must now require that ALL of our students be FULLY vaccinated prior to the beginning of classes.  We are required to provide our clinical affiliates with documentation of completed vaccinations.
   
   Those who are accepted into the programs must include official documentation from the medical facility that administers the vaccine as well as a photocopy of their vaccination card.  This requirement is included on our Pre-Enrollment Physical Examination Form which each accepted applicant will receive with their acceptance packet.  At this time, there are NO medical nor religious exemptions for this vaccination requirement.
   
   For more information, please feel free to contact the school!

4. A two-step PPD Tuberculin Skin Test (within last 3 months prior to enrollment) Chest X-ray required if PPD is positive; must complete any testing as recommended by physician

TWO STEP PPD (TB TEST)

The Four appointment schedule for two-step testing requires that the person:

Visit 1, day 1: Place the first TST and have the employee return in 48 to 72 hours for the test to be read.

Visit 2, day 2 – 3:  Evaluate, measure, and interpret the TST. Document the 1illimeters (e.g. 0 mm, 4 mm, 12 mm)

• If the first TST is negative; give the patient an appointment to return for placement of the second test in 7 – 21 days.
• If the first TST is positive; it indicates that the employee is infected with TB. No further testing is indicated. Refer the employee for a chest x-ray and physician evaluation. An asymptomatic employee, whose chest x-ray indicates no active disease, may begin work.

Visit 3, day 7 – 21 Place the second TST on all employees whose first test was negative using the alternate arm.

Visit 4, 48 - 72 hours after second test placed: Evaluate, measure, and interpret the TST. Document the millimeters (e.g. 0 mm, 4 mm, 12 mm).

• If the second TST is negative, the patient is not infected.
• If the second test is positive; it indicates that the employee is infected with TB. No further testing is indicated. Refer the employee for a chest x-ray and physician evaluation. An asymptomatic employee, whose chest x-ray indicates no active disease, may begin work.

ALTERNATE TEST

QuantiFERON®–TB GOLD In-Tube test (QFT-GIT) may be substituted if necessary

4. Hepatitis B Series (see below)

5. Varicella - Positive history of chickenpox is acceptable. For negative history – strongly recommend immunization.

Student Health

The health and well-being of students are of vital importance to the School of Health Professions. Students are responsible for maintaining a current health file, which includes the Health Screening components and current immunizations. Documentation of the first dose of Hepatitis B Vaccine, a sufficient Hepatitis B titer, or a signed waiver is required prior to starting clinical experiences. The influenza vaccine will be offered annually, and screening for tuberculosis exposure (PPD) is provided by Sovah - Employee Health during the enrollment of students in courses in the second year of the programs. Students must comply with Sovah Health infection control policies and guidelines. Student Health Records submitted during the application process will be maintained by the Sovah Health – Danville Employee Health Department located at the main campus at 142 S Main Street.