Immunization Information

It is imperative that all students involved in academic clinical activities adhere to the immunization requirements described below. These have been established by the Chandler Medical Center and help protect health care providers and patients alike. Students who do not fulfill all of the requirements will not be permitted to participate in clinical activities, which will result in lower grades for clinical courses. The only exemptions will be for those students who have documented medical contraindications.   

You are encouraged to get all immunizations prior to initial enrollment. Immunizations are administered and must be verified by University Health Service, located in B163 Kentucky Clinic (first floor). Appointments with University Health Service are necessary and can be made by calling (859) 323-2778.  Please make every effort to have these requirements completed and bring written physician documentation as requested when you go to University Health Service. Requirements not met at that time may require repeated vaccinations. 

Tuberculosis Screening (required annually)

Provide documentation of a negative Mantoux PPD skin test to University Health Service within six weeks of enrollment in the College and annually thereafter while you remain enrolled. If the skin test is positive, see University Health Service with physician documentation of the positive test and a negative chest x-ray. 

Rubella, Rubeola, and Mumps Immunity

Provide proof of immunity to rubella, rubeola, and mumps if born in 1957 or later. Any one of the following is acceptable: 

• Documentation of two measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines, with the first administered at twelve months or older
• Documentation by a physician that you have had rubeola, rubella, and mumps
• Documentation of a positive rubella, rubeola, and mumps titers  

Hepatitis B

• The series of three injections at recommended intervals is required, or you must provide documentation of a positive Hepatitis B surface antibody titer (>10mIUmL).
• For students completing the series of three injections after Jan. 1, 1999, a Hepatitis B titer drawn one-two months after completing the series of three injections
• If the Hepatitis B titer is negative after the initial series of three injections, the series of three injections should be repeated and a repeat titer is drawn. If the titer remains negative, appropriate clinical evaluation is indicated.  

Varicella Immunity

You must demonstrate immunity to varicella (chickenpox) by one of the following: 

• Positive oral history of chickenpox
• Positive antibody titer or
• Immunization with varicella vaccine (Full immunization requires a series of two injections.)

Current recommendations do not support post-immunization titers. Serology as commercial tests may lack the sensitivity to detect lower antibody levels associated with immunization compared with natural infection.  

Tetanus, Acellular Pertussis and Diphtheria 

• Documentation of one dose of Tdap vaccine as an adult
• May be deferred if last tetanus booster was received within the past two years  

Incoming Students

Incoming students must be in compliance with University of Kentucky pre-enrollment requirements. Additional requirements include meningitis vaccine for students living in UK residence halls and documented polio immunity. For detailed information: www.uky.edu/StudentAffairs/UHS/MandatoryImmunStmt3-07.doc.  

Procedure for Completing Immunization Requirements 

1. Attend walk-in week, which occurs on scheduled dates prior to the start of the term, or make an appointment with University Health Service. Provide them documentation of immunizations you already have had. They will administer any that you still need and give you an immunization certificate.
2. Bring a copy of the certificate to the College of Nursing Office of Student Services within one week of the start of classes.
3. You will not be permitted to participate in clinical activities until all documentation is current. In addition, registration permits for subsequent semesters will be withheld if documentation is not on file with the College.