Health Requirement for Registration Policy
Unit: Student Health Center and Pharmacy
Contact: David Brown
Title: Nursing Supervisor
Effective Date: 4/20/2017
Revision Date: 05/01/2018
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to protect the health of students by screening them for tuberculosis, and immunizing them against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), Meningitis. This requirement will help prevent the contraction and/or spread of these diseases to the University community.
Policy
All incoming students, regardless of status, are required to have acceptable proof on file at the Student Health Center (SHC) of the following:
- Screening for tuberculosis by having a Tuberculin skin test, IGRA test, or chest x-ray within the preceding 12 months. Incoming students with a positive TB skin test (PPD) will be required to furnish follow up results with either a chest x-ray report and/or IGRA test.
- TB testing done outside the United States may be deemed unacceptable by the SHC Medical Director. If that occurs, the student will be required to be re-tested for TB in the U.S.
- If born after December 31, 1956, proof of adequate immunization against measles, mumps, and rubella (2 each - MMR).
- A Meningococcal Quadrivalent (MenACWY) vaccine is required for all entering students less than 21 years of age and any students living in campus housing regardless of age. The vaccination must have been received at age 16 or older.
A hold will be placed on the records of all incoming students that will prohibit their registering for future classes until these requirements are fulfilled. After completing these requirements, a Student Health Care Representative will remove the student's registration hold so that the student may register for classes.
Responsibilities
The student will provide acceptable proof of TB screening, 2 MMR immunizations, and Meningococcal Quadrivalent (MenACWY).
The designated SHC staff member will process verification of screenings and immunizations.
As requested by a student, nursing staff will administer TB testing, Meningitis and MMR immunization per Standardized Nursing Procedure.
Procedures
The University of Alabama requires documentation of immunity of Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) for all new students as follows:
- Students born prior to 1957 - no documentation necessary
- Students born on or after 1957 must have documentation of:
- Two shots of measles containing vaccine (Rubeola, MR, or MMR) after their first birthday, one of which must have been an MMR. Students must have proof of receiving the second immunization. At least one of these must have been given after 1980.
OR
- Positive titers to rubeola, rubella, and mumps, which proves immunity (blood test).
OR
- Receive 2 doses of MMR in our facility at the time they enter The University of Alabama.
To the extent the student would like to request a waiver that relieves them of some or all of the requirements of the Policy, please contact, the SHC Medical Director. All requested waivers must be reviewed and, if appropriate, approved by the SHC Medical Director. Further, students applying for a waiver may be required to schedule a counseling session with the Medical Director or his/her designee as part of the approval process. Approved waivers will be documented in student’s Electronic Medical Record and a list of those will be maintained at the SHC for a period no less than 10 years after approval.
Students with an immunization waiver may be required to leave campus in the event of an outbreak for which the student is not appropriately vaccinated. This action is for the protection of the student and the campus community. This decision is made by the Medical Director or through consultation with an Alabama Public Health Officer. The decision to return to campus is made through the same procedure. Students requesting waiver for vaccine(s) will still be required to have TB testing.
Any questions regarding requirements will be reviewed and certified by a SHC physician
Scope
This applies to all incoming students.