Health and Immunization Policy

Berkshire Community College

Nursing Division

Health and Immunization Policy

Immunization Requirements: Students entering the BCC Nursing programs are required to follow the immunization policy for BCC health students. Students must submit proof of compliance with immunizations by:

Fall ADN Program	June 1^st
Fall PN Program	August 1^st
Fall Bridge Program	August 1^st
Spring ADN Program	December 1^st
Spring Bridge Program	December 1^st

Please note: The Hep B series may take up to six months to complete. Students should plan accordingly. Immunization information may be shared with the Dean of Nursing, Program Administrative Assistant, Nursing Data Analyst, and contracted agencies to allow for clinical experiences.

MANDATORY HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

HEP B

Required Immunization for Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B proof of positive titer that demonstrates immunity.

*Hepatitis B surface antibody HBsAB documentation is required*

If immunity is not seen, 3 series doses of Hepatitis B vaccine may be completed, or declination may be signed.

TDaP

T-dap vaccine within 10 years (and every 10 years)

MMR

MMR: Proof of positive titer that demonstrates immunity.

If immunity is not seen, 2 series dose of MMR vaccine.

Varicella

Varicella: Proof of positive titer that demonstrates immunity.

If immunity is not seen 2 series dose Varicella vaccine

TB: Documentation of negative test: Either test below is acceptable.

1. T-Spot or Quantiferon bloodwork results. (Valid for 10 years unless affirmative answers on annual “TB” interview form, then testing may be repeated)

2. Tuberculin Skin Testing report. (Valid for 1 year)

Influenza Vaccine

During regular flu season (Oct-March). Declination is only allowed if there is documented allergy and is determined on a case by case basis by the clinical sites.

Meningococcal

1 dose; 1 dose MenACWY (formerly MCV4) required for all full-time students 21 years of age or younger. The dose of MenACWY vaccine must have been received on or after the student’s 16^th birthday. Doses received at younger ages do not count towards this requirement. Students may decline MenACWY vaccine after they have read and signed the MDPH Meningococcal Information and Waiver Form provided by their institution.

Meningococcal B vaccine is not required and does not meet this requirement.

Ishihara Test

Required for all faculty and students who need to identify color for specific tests. (This will be done during clinical orientation.)

Covid Vaccine

Covid Booster

Full vaccination against Covid is required by all clinical sites before students attend clinical. This can be Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson Vaccine.

*Full vaccination is a minimum of 2 vaccines

*Vaccination with a dose of Bivalent Covid vaccine is highly recommended.

*Long-term care sites may also require Covid boosters per Massachusetts State regulations.

(BCC Immunization policy developed according to MDPH Immunization Program 2022-2023 School Year and per requirements of clinical sites)

Waiver

If a student is unable to receive an immunization due to medical reasons, they must discuss a medical waiver with the Dean of Nursing and provide a doctor’s notice. If a medical waiver is granted by the clinical facilities, documentation must be filed in the Nursing Immunization and Medical Records Office. It is also highly recommended that these students have blood testing done to show possible immunity. Both medical exemptions and declinations must be renewed on the appropriate forms annually. If a student cannot complete clinical due to immunization requirements, then he/she/they cannot complete the course.

Drug Screening

Please be advised that students enrolled in certain programs which require clinical or fieldwork study may be required by the placement affiliate agency to undergo and pass a drug screening analysis in order to be eligible. Students who either fail to pass, or refuse to submit to a drug screening analysis will be deemed ineligible for clinical placement, which will affect their status in the program.

Verification of Student Health History and Physical Exam

In addition to the Mandatory Immunization Requirements, all students enrolled in the nursing program are required to have the Verification of Student Health History and Physical Exam report completed by their health care provider. The signed Verification form must be current. If deferred for one semester use original form. If deferred for two semester a new form is needed.

Cohort	Due by:	No sooner than:
Fall ADN Program	June 1^st	March 1^st
Fall PN Program	August 1^st	March 1^st
Fall Bridge Program	August 1^st	March 1^st
Spring ADN Program	December 1^st	July 1^st
Spring Bridge Program	December 1^st	July 1^st

Failure to Comply

A student will not be allowed to participate in the clinical experience without all health requirements fully complete.

Submit requirements to the Nursing Immunization and Medical Records Office located in the Hawthorne building, office #323, Berkshire Community College Main Campus.

Telephone: 413-236-4609; Fax: 800-724-9943; medicalrecords@berkshirecc.edu

Created Nursing Faculty Committee – 5/1/23