Nursing Student Immunizations

Clinical sites may have varying requirements for the vaccination requirements of healthcare workers. Students working at such sites are required to comply with these regulations. If such vaccinations are contraindicated for medical or religious reasons, contact the designated representative of the nursing program to discuss possible resolutions to this problem. All Stratford nursing students are required, at their own expense, to provide documentation of Hepatitis B vaccination. The Center for Disease Control reports that between 15% and 25% of unimmunized persons working in the healthcare area will contract this potentially serious and sometimes fatal illness. Hepatitis B vaccination requires a series of two to three doses; the dosage series must be started before registering for clinical courses. (If the student already has immunity or if the vaccine is contraindicated for the student, this too must be documented.)

Students enrolled in a clinical course are also required to provide documentation of the following prior to the first day of class:

• Measles/Mumps/Rubella – 2 doses, 4-8 weeks apart
• Varicella Zoster (Chicken Pox) 4-8 weeks apart or reliable history of the disease
• Tetanus/Diphtheria Adult Pertussis TDAP – every 10 years
• Influenza Vaccine – Required yearly
• Tuberculosis screening by PPD and/or X-ray yearly (students with a positive PPD and an initial negative X-ray can be followed with an annual physician screening)

Drug testing

Drug screening is required prior to entry into clinical courses and some agencies may require additional drug screening. All drug screen testing is at the student’s expense.