Immunization Requirements

It is imperative that all students involved in academic clinical activities adhere to the immunization requirements described below. These have been established by the University of Kentucky 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.

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 January 1, 1999, a Hepatitis B titer drawn 1-2 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 (chicken pox) by one of the following:

• Positive history of chicken pox
• 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 and Diphtheria
A booster injection within the past 10 years is recommended but not required.

Procedure for Completing Immunization Requirements
1. Make an appointment with University Health Service. Give 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.

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