OHSU

Immunizations

PRE-ENTRANCE IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS

OHSU health policy requires that students complete pre-entrance immunization requirements prior to starting school and maintain compliance with this process throughout their academic careers at OHSU. Completion of these immunizations and TB testing is necessary to protect your health and safety, and the health and safety of others in our unique learning environment. Initial compliance with this process needs to be met within 30 days of matriculation. If you are not compliant with all requirements within this time frame, a hold will be placed on your student account that will suspend your student status and prevent you from registering and attending classes.

NEW STUDENTS: The New Student Requirements sheet explains the immunizations and TB screening you will need. Therefore, it is important that you start this process IMMEDIATELY by following the steps below;

  • Gather your vaccine information history and transfer the immunization dates and all pertinent history to the Immune Status form linked to this website.
  • Email the completed form to us as soon as possible at askshs@ohsu.edu or fax to 503-494-2958. Include all documented vaccine records with this form, as this will save you time and may decrease the number of vaccines needed to bring you up to date with requirements.
  • Our nurses will review this form and contact you if you are not up-to-date with specific requirements.

The sooner you complete and send the Immune Status form, the sooner we will review it and get back to you. It is expected that you will have completed all needed vaccines prior to arrival on campus. If you do not have access to a health care provider, your local county health department is often the most cost effective access point to update your vaccines. The nurses at the Student Health Service can also update your vaccines if you are unable to complete them elsewhere. However, depending on your specific needs, please keep the 30 day deadline in mind. At the Student Health Service you will be charged for the cost of the vaccines and any titers needed . Antibody titers typically take ten days for results to come back and further vaccines may then be needed. Keep this in mind when planning for the 30 day deadline. We have a Frequently Asked Questions list attached below for your review. Contact our nurses at 503-494-8665 for remaining questions or concerns. Your immunization records will be available for your review at any time by calling the Student Health Service at 503-494-8665. REPORTING OF COMPLIANCE TO YOUR SCHOOL OR ACADEMIC PROGRAM: As OHSU Schools and programs are charged with overseeing overall campus health in accordance with federal (FERPA) guidelines, the Student Health Service reports compliance with pre-immunization requirements and TB surveillance to your respective schools and program directors if needed. All other medical information falls under HIPAA protection.

 

RETURNING STUDENTS: ONGOING VACCINE AND TB SURVEILLANCE Part of our role in maintaining a safe and healthy learning and work environment for all includes annual TB surveillance for those students learning in a patient care environment or those working with potentially infectious human blood or body fluids. Compliance with this process is required annually for these students. These students will be notified by SHS nurses when an annual TB skin test is due. If you are not compliant within 30 days of receipt of this notice, your respective Associate Dean or program director will be notified of your noncompliance. The student will then have 15 days to rectify the issue. If not, a hold will be placed on the student account which will prevent the student's ability to register for further course work. The Student Health Service is happy to work with students on away rotations who receive such a notice. We are happy to accept results of TB skin tests administered elsewhere that are scanned and emailed (askshs@ohsu.edu) or faxed to us (503-494-2958). In addition, the CDC from time to time, may adopt new vaccine or immunization guidelines which could require the Student Health Service to contact existing students to become compliant with new guidelines. Should this occur during your academic career at OHSU we would issue new guidelines and adequate timelines to ensure your safety as well as your compliance.