It is imperative that all students involved in academic clinical activities adhere to the immunization requirements described below. These have been established by the 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 at 830 S. Limestone Street next to the Kentucky Clinic. Appointments with University Health Service are necessary and can be made by calling (859) 323-2778. Please make every effort to have these requirements completed and bring written physician documentation as requested when you go to University Health Service. Requirements not met at that time may require repeated vaccinations.
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 you were 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 Jan. 1, 1999, a Hepatitis B titer drawn one-two 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 (chickenpox) by one of the following:
- Positive oral history of chickenpox
- 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, Acellular Pertussis and Diphtheria
- Documentation of one dose of Tdap vaccine as an adult
- May be deferred if last tetanus booster was received within the past two years
Incoming Students
Incoming students must be in compliance with University of Kentucky pre-enrollment requirements. Additional requirements include meningitis vaccine for students living in UK residence halls and documented polio immunity.
Go here for detailed information.
Procedure for Completing Immunization Requirements
- Check the list of immunizations you are required to have, as an incoming nursing student at: http://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/UHS/student/vaccinationandcompliance.
asp#clinic.
- Next, contact University Health Services (UHS) to make an appointment at (859) 323-2778 or to find out when they are having Walk-In-Week. Take proof of all immunizations you already have to UHS, 830 South Limestone, located on the first floor in the UHS Nursing Clinic.
- Once you receive your Compliance Form(s) from UHS, please take form(s) to the College of Nursing Student Services Office, Room 315-G.
Contact Jenny Fleser at (859) 323-4872 if you have any questions.