RVU follows the latest requirements set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice. Therefore, students must satisfy all requirements for immunizations at the time of admission and throughout their tenure, as compliance is required on a continuous basis.
Failure to provide all required documentation may prevent matriculation or, in the case of a matriculated student, lead to dismissal. In addition, non-compliant students will be immediately removed from clinical experience and direct patient care until compliance has been achieved. Students are responsible for the expenses of all tests and must meet the conditions listed below (note that some immunization requirements may vary by clinical sites):
- Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, and Rubella (MMR): Serologic proof of immunity by Surface Antibody IgG titers for Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, and Rubella. Quantitative lab report including numerical result values and numerical reference range required. Only quantitative (numerical) results accepted.
- Hepatitis B: Serologic proof of immunity by Surface Antibody IgG titers for Hepatitis B. Quantitative lab report including numerical result values and numerical reference range required. Only quantitative (numerical) results accepted.
- Varicella: Serologic proof of immunity by Surface Antibody IgG titers for Varicella. Quantitative lab report including numerical result values and numerical reference range required. Only quantitative (numerical) results accepted.
- Tetanus Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap): Tdap or TD booster required every ten years after initial Tdap on file.
- Two Separate Tuberculosis Skin Tests (PPD/Mantoux): Upon entry into the program you must provide one of the following options:
- Blood Draw: T-Spot or QuantiFERON TB Gold Blood draw that is negative and within 12 months.
- Skin Tests: TB Two-step (Two TB skin tests within 21 days of each other and no more than 12 months old).
- If a TB skin test is positive: a chest x-ray must be completed every 2 years.
Annual update required. If TB is updated prior to the past TB expiring only 1 TB is required. If the TB expires a full two-step or blood draw is required.
Additionally, in order to minimize the risk of an influenza outbreak on campus or in affiliated clinical facilities, all students are encouraged to receive the annual influenza vaccination (except when medically contraindicated) while enrolled at RVU.
Documents related to immunizations and screenings are maintained and monitored through the Office of the Registrar. For information regarding specific Health and Immunization Requirements, please visit the Office of the Registrar's webpage.
Requests for Exemptions
Any student who requests an exemption to any immunization, screening, and titer requirement due to a medical contraindication or religious mandate must contact the University in writing immediately upon acceptance into the program or immediately upon learning of a new medical contraindication. The request for exemption must include the reason(s) for the request and any applicable supporting documentation. If the request is prior to matriculation, PA students should contact the Chair of the PA Admissions Committee and the Director of Admissions. Incoming students of the COM or MSBS Programs should contact the Director of Admissions. If the request is after matriculation, the request should be directed to the Associate/Assistant Dean of Student Affairs or individual Program Directors (MSBS or PA).
If the request for exemption is approved, the student will be permitted to matriculate; however, the student may not be able to participate in all required educational activities, and the student will be required to acknowledge that not all educational activities or clinical sites may be available to them. Clinical sites maintain their own regulations and policies regarding immunizations, screenings, and titers, as well as any potential exemptions; therefore, students are expected to comply with the clinical site requirements. If a student is unable to maintain compliance with site requirements due to medical contraindications or religious reasons, the student is responsible for notifying both the clinical site and the program immediately.